Devices, consumables, methods and systems for blood treatment

Abstract

The blood treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to include: a plurality of fluid chambers having internal spaces; a chamber pressurizing member for compressing or expanding the internal spaces of the plurality of fluid chambers; a pressurizing member driver for driving the chamber pressurizing member; and a flow path control unit, wherein each of the plurality of chambers is connected to a first fluid tube and a second fluid tube, a fluid flows into the chamber through the first fluid tube, a fluid flows out of the chamber through the second fluid tube, and the flow path control unit controls the flow through the fluid tube connected to the chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device, consumables and method for blood treatment, and more particularly, to a blood treatment device and method that simplifies the entire device and facilitates installation, thereby reducing treatment costs by compressing or expanding multiple fluid chambers simultaneously and thereby transporting blood and dialysate together. Background Art

[0002] When kidney function is impaired, water and metabolites excreted from the body accumulate in the body, and electrolyte imbalance occurs. As a method for improving the symptoms of such renal failure, hemodialysis therapy is mainly implemented, which circulates blood outside the body and removes urea toxins and excess water accumulated in the body through a semipermeable membrane. Hemodialysis is a method of making blood flow to one side of the semipermeable membrane and dialysate flow to the other side of the semipermeable membrane, and utilizing the diffusion caused by the concentration difference of these two fluids and the filtration principle caused by the pressure difference to remove urea toxins and excess water in the body and balance electrolytes.

[0003] Blood treatment therapy is a method of circulating blood outside the body to remove toxic substances or provide beneficial components in the blood. Hemodialysis is equivalent to a typical blood treatment therapy. Blood treatment therapy is used in conjunction with a blood treatment filter, in which a substance transfer occurs between a physiological fluid (such as blood) and a purified sterile solution (such as dialysate).

[0004] The most commonly used hollow fiber membrane type blood treatment filter is a semipermeable membrane installed in a cylindrical container and potted with a synthetic resin such as polyurethane at both ends so that the material transfer can easily occur during the passage of blood and dialysate. This is because the hollow fiber type blood treatment filter has a large mass transfer area compared to its size, so it can achieve a high mass transfer efficiency.

[0005] When blood and dialysate pass through the blood treatment filter, the hydrostatic pressure decreases. Since blood and dialysate flow in opposite directions in the blood treatment filter, the blood pressure in the blood inflow portion of the filter is higher than the pressure of the dialysate, so a filtration phenomenon occurs in which the water in the blood moves to the dialysate area. On the contrary, in the blood outflow portion, the pressure of the dialysate is higher than the hydrostatic pressure. A reverse filtration phenomenon occurs in which the water in the dialysate moves to the blood area.

[0006] In the case of the existing blood treatment apparatus, the flow of the dialysate is controlled by using a balancing chamber connected to a plurality of dialysate pipelines and two or more dialysate pumps, and the blood is transported by a blood pump. In addition, the above-mentioned balancing chamber and dialysate pump must inevitably be sterilized regularly, so the existing blood treatment apparatus is very complicated and difficult for patients to use.

[0007] Summary of the invention

[0008] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to solve the problems of such existing blood treatment apparatuses by using a single chamber pressurizing member to compress or expand a plurality of fluid chambers at the same time, thereby being able to transport blood and dialysate at the same time. The plurality of fluid chambers can keep the amount of dialysate supplied to the blood treatment filter and the amount of dialysate discharged from the blood treatment filter the same. Therefore, the use of the existing blood pump and balance chamber can be eliminated, thereby being able to significantly reduce the size and weight of the entire blood treatment apparatus, making it easy to install, and being able to reduce the cost of blood treatment. Therefore, the blood treatment apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that it provides a blood treatment apparatus that can efficiently perform blood treatment not only in a hospital but also outside a hospital.

[0010] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0011] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a blood processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of fluid chambers, each fluid chamber having an internal space; a chamber pressurizing member capable of compressing or expanding the internal space of each fluid chamber; a pressurizing member driver capable of driving the chamber pressurizing member; and a flow path control unit.

[0012] The plurality of fluid chambers includes n fluid chambers, wherein n has an integer value of 2 or greater. In addition, each of the n chambers is configured to be connected to a first flow tube that allows fluid to flow into the chamber and a second flow tube that allows fluid to flow out of the chamber.

[0013] The flow control unit is characterized in that it regulates the flow (or flow path) through the inlet and outlet pipes connected to the n fluid chambers. Therefore, various valve structures can be used to open or close the flow, for example, it can be configured as:

[0014] A one-way valve installed in each flow tube, wherein the flow path is controlled by a flow path control unit, to restrict the flow inside the flow tube in one direction.

[0015] A solenoid valve installed in each flow tube, wherein the flow tube is controlled by a flow control unit to open or block the flow inside;

[0016] A pressure-boosting valve, comprising: a flow path blocking member capable of blocking flow by compressing a portion of a flow tube through linear or curvilinear motion; a flow path blocking wall supporting the flow tube compressed by the flow path blocking member; and a flow path blocking member driver driving the flow path blocking member; and

[0017] A rotary valve comprises: a flow control housing having an internal space; a flow control rotor configured to be able to rotate or move linearly in the internal space of the flow control housing; a plurality of flow control ports configured to penetrate the flow control housing; and a rotor drive unit for driving the flow control rotor; and the like.

[0018] Here, the flow path control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that when the chamber is compressed or expanded, about half of the flow path flowing through the flow tube is blocked, wherein the flow path inside the flow tube is controlled by the flow path control unit.

[0019] According to the blood treatment device of an embodiment of the present invention, a single chamber pressurizing member can be used to compress or expand multiple fluid chambers at the same time, and blood and dialysate can be transmitted simultaneously through the single chamber pressurizing member. Multiple fluid chambers can keep the amount of dialysate supplied to the blood treatment filter and the amount of dialysate discharged from the blood treatment filter the same. Therefore, the use of existing blood pumps and balance chambers can be eliminated, so that the size and weight of the entire blood treatment device can be greatly reduced, it is easy to install, and the cost of blood treatment can be reduced. Therefore, the blood treatment device according to the present invention can effectively perform blood treatment not only in hospitals but also in places outside hospitals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of a blood processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a flow chart of a blood processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 and Figure 5 An example of a fluid transport device included in a blood processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0023] Figure 6 A blood processing filter according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0024] Figure 7 and Figure 8 A flow path control unit configured as a pressure-boosting valve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0025] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 A flow path control unit configured as a rotary valve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0026] Fig.11 is a flow chart of a blood processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the blood processing apparatus having a flow path control unit configured as a rotary valve.

[0027] Fig.12 A flow path control unit configured as a rotary valve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0028] Fig.13 and Fig.14 is a flow chart of a blood processing apparatus having four fluid chambers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig.15 is a flow chart of a blood processing apparatus having three fluid chambers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Fig.16 is a flow chart of a blood processing apparatus having four fluid chambers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Fig.17 and Fig.18 is a flow chart of a blood processing apparatus having five fluid chambers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig.19 and Fig. 20 is a flow chart of a blood processing apparatus having six fluid chambers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Fig.21 and Fig. 22 FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a blood processing apparatus having six fluid chambers according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Fig.23 and Fig.24 FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a blood processing apparatus having six fluid chambers according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Fig.25 and Fig.26 is a flow chart of a blood processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, the blood processing apparatus having a flow path control unit composed of a one-way valve and six fluid chambers.

[0036] Fig. 27 and Fig.28 FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a blood processing apparatus having eight fluid chambers according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Fig.29 FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a blood treatment apparatus having a blood pump according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Fig.30 is a flow chart of a blood processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the fluid chamber is arranged vertically.

[0039] Fig.31 A method of operating a flow path control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Specific embodiments

[0040] Below, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described later, and various modifications may be made. When describing the present invention, the size or shape of the components shown in the accompanying drawings may be enlarged or simplified for the sake of clarity and convenience. In addition, the terms specifically defined in consideration of the configuration and operation of the present invention may vary according to the intention or convention of the user or operator. These terms should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical ideas of the present invention based on the contents in the entire specification.

[0041] When describing the present invention, the elements of the present invention expressed in the singular form are preferably interpreted as including the meaning that multiple elements may exist. Moreover, the expression of the position between the elements of the present invention is preferably interpreted as broadly as possible. For example, it means that the first element is on the second element, between the second element or on the side, and it may be that there is another third element between the two elements. When describing the present invention, the meaning of "same or identical" is preferably interpreted as including substantially the same or substantially the same situation in addition to the "completely" identical meaning. The meaning of expressing the time being equal, such as "simultaneously", in addition to the meaning of completely "simultaneously" occurring, also includes the situation occurring at a substantially similar time (time). Throughout the specification, the same elements of the present invention in the drawings are represented by the same reference numerals.

[0042] Hereinafter, a blood processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 A conceptual diagram of a blood treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The blood treatment apparatus according to the present invention is a concept including various apparatuses for providing treatment to a patient through blood, and simple treatments such as separating plasma or blood cells from blood or preserving blood, and may also include a hemodialysis apparatus for patients with renal failure, a liver dialysis apparatus for patients with acute liver failure, an extracorporeal life support (ECLS) that replaces lung or heart functions, or various purification apparatuses for treating multiple organ failures, and the like.

[0044] The blood treatment device can be configured to include a blood treatment device unit 2 and a consumable component 3. The blood treatment device unit 2 is a hardware unit, and various electronic devices are usually arranged inside the shell, thereby blood treatment therapy can be performed. Various software and programs are installed to drive the various electronic devices inside the blood treatment device unit 2. The consumable component 3 is a disposable element, which is usually discarded after a short period of use (e.g., once or twice), for example, including a flow tube through which blood, dialysate or various solutions flow, an air chamber for removing air and / or a blood treatment filter 10, etc.

[0045] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A flow chart of a blood treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The blood treatment apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes: a fluid delivery device 50 for delivering blood and dialysate; a dialysate treatment unit 30 for preparing dialysate by adjusting ion balance (concentration); a water treatment unit 40 for producing ultrapure water; and a flow path control unit 60 for adjusting the flow path of a flow tube through which the fluid flows. In addition, the blood treatment apparatus 1 is configured to include various monitoring sensors 24 and 34, and includes a blood treatment filter 10 that performs blood treatment inside. For example, inside the blood treatment filter 10, substance transfer may occur between blood and dialysate.

[0046] The fluid delivery device 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a plurality of fluid chambers having internal spaces, a chamber pressurizing member 59 for compressing or expanding the internal spaces of the plurality of fluid chambers, and a pressurizing member driver (not shown) for driving the chamber pressurizing member. The plurality of fluid chambers includes an nth fluid chamber having an internal space, wherein n has a positive integer value greater than 2. Preferably, the blood treatment device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include three to eight fluid chambers. For example, Figure 2 and Figure 3 A flow chart showing a blood treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The blood treatment apparatus comprises four fluid chambers and six fluid chambers (51 to 56), respectively.

[0047] Although the expression "dialysis fluid" is used herein, this is an expression to distinguish it from blood, and the dialysate is not limited to the dialysate used for hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) for patients with acute renal failure, etc. The dialysate is intended to include various fluids used in blood treatment therapy, and may include, for example, plasma, serum, distilled water, physiological saline, lactose solution, etc.

[0048] Each chamber may be connected to an inlet pipe for fluid to flow into the chamber and an outlet pipe for fluid to flow out of the chamber. The first chamber 51 is connected to the first chamber inlet pipe 51a and the first chamber outlet pipe 51b, and the fluid flows into the first chamber 51 through the first chamber inlet pipe 51a, and the fluid in the first chamber 51 may be discharged through the first chamber outlet pipe 51b. Similarly, the second chamber 52 is connected to the second chamber inlet pipe 52a and the second chamber outlet pipe 52b, and the fluid flows into the second chamber 52 through the second chamber inlet pipe 52a, and the fluid in the second chamber 52 may flow out through the second chamber outlet pipe 52b. The same is true for the other chambers.

[0049] Although the expression of inlet pipe and outlet pipe is used here, it does not mean that the fluid must flow into the chamber through the inlet pipe and flow out through the outlet pipe. For example, the fluid can be introduced into the chamber through the outlet pipe, or the fluid can be introduced or discharged through both the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe. Although two flow pipes (i.e., the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe) are shown connected to each chamber, Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe connected to each chamber may partially overlap each other, and each chamber may be connected to one flow pipe.

[0050] The n fluid chambers are characterized in being compressed or expanded at the same time. That is, all n chambers can be compressed at the same time, or all n chambers can be expanded at the same time. Alternatively, a portion of the n fluid chambers can be compressed, while another portion can be expanded at the same time. For example, when the fluid delivery device 50 includes six fluid chambers, all six chambers can be compressed or expanded together. Alternatively, any three of the six chambers can be compressed and the other three chambers can be expanded. Alternatively, any four of the six chambers can be compressed and the other two chambers can be expanded at the same time, or vice versa, that is, any four chambers can be expanded and the other two chambers can be compressed.

[0051] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the fluid chamber has a cylindrical inner space, and the chamber pressurizing member 59 is illustrated as having a piston shape for compressing or expanding the cylindrical inner space. However, the chamber and chamber pressurizing member according to the embodiment of the present invention are not limited to the illustrated shape. A container with an inner space to accommodate a fluid can be used as the chamber of the present invention, and various members that can transport fluid to the inside of the container by compressing or expanding the inner space of the container can be used as the chamber pressurizing member of the present invention. For example, it can be composed of a fluid sac, a fluid bag, a flexible fluid tube that can expand and compress, and a pressurizing member that can expand or compress the inside of the fluid sac, fluid bag, or fluid tube so as to discharge the fluid to the inside.

[0052] In addition, the fluid chamber is made of a hard material to have a predetermined shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape), and in this case, the chamber pressurizing member 59 is configured to include a portion made of a soft material such as rubber, polymer, silicone, etc. Alternatively, the chamber may be formed of a flexible material that is easily compressed and expanded, and in this case, the chamber pressurizing member 59 may be formed of a hard material that compresses or expands the soft fluid chamber.

[0053] For example, Figure 4 and Figure 5A fluid delivery device 50 is shown, which has a chamber in the form of a fluid sac (or fluid bag) made of a soft material and has an internal space. Here, the above-mentioned fluid sac can be installed in a frame 590 so that it is easy to install. The chamber pressurization member 59 has a structure that compresses or expands the fluid sac, for example, the fluid sac can be compressed or expanded by the operation of a pneumatic driver such as a pneumatic pump, an air pump or a vacuum pump. That is, the pneumatic channel 591 is expanded or compressed by the pneumatic driver in the housing 4 of the blood treatment device 1, through which the fluid sac can be compressed or expanded. This is because the pneumatic channel 591 is connected to the space surrounding the fluid sac. That is, this means that the pneumatic channel 591 can be used as a chamber pressurization member 59. At this time, a gasket 592 can be installed in addition to avoid leakage of the space around the fluid sac. The gasket 592 can be made of a soft material or a hard material such as plastic, metal, polymer, etc.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the chamber can be compressed or expanded at the same time, so the chamber is compressed or expanded by one chamber pressurizing member 59, and likewise, the chamber pressurizing member 59 is driven by a single pressurizing member driver. The pressurizing member driver can have various forms capable of transmitting linear motion or bending motion to the chamber pressurizing member 59. For example, it can be configured to include a motor and a cam rotated by the motor so that the chamber pressurizing member 59 moves in one direction. Alternatively, a motor and a circular gear rotated by the motor, a linear gear that performs linear motion by rotation of the circular gear, etc. can be used. The chamber pressurizing member 59 moves in one direction by the rotation of the cam or the circular gear, and the chamber pressurizing member 59 can move in the opposite direction by further rotating the cam or the circular gear, or rotating in the opposite direction.

[0055] As the blood processing filter 10, various filter devices capable of processing blood can be used. Figure 6 An example of a blood treatment filter 10 is shown, wherein the blood treatment filter 10 may be configured to include: a blood treatment filter housing 11 having an internal space, and a blood treatment membrane 12 accommodated in the blood treatment filter housing 11 and in which substance transfer occurs between blood and dialysate. The internal space of the blood treatment filter 10 may be divided into a plurality of fluid flow areas by the blood treatment membrane 12. For example, the internal space of the blood treatment filter housing 11 may be divided into a portion where blood flows and a portion where dialysate flows by the blood treatment membrane 12.

[0056] A first blood port 13 and a second blood port 14 are provided at one end and the other end of the blood treatment filter housing 11, and blood is transported to the blood treatment filter 10 through the first blood port 13 and can be discharged through the second blood port 14. Therefore, the first blood port 13 and the second blood port 14 are respectively connected to the first blood flow tube 21 and the second blood flow tube 22, and blood is transported to the blood treatment filter 10 through the first blood flow tube 21 and the second blood flow tube 22. A first dialysate port 15 and a second dialysate port 16 are provided at one side and the other side of the outer peripheral surface of the blood treatment filter housing 11 to allow the dialysate to flow. Specifically, the dialysate is supplied to the blood treatment filter 10 through the first dialysate port 15, and can be discharged from the blood treatment filter 10 through the second dialysate inlet 16.

[0057] Blood flows through the blood flow area in the blood treatment filter 10, and dialysate flows through the dialysate flow area in the blood treatment filter 10. At this time, blood and dialysate may flow in opposite directions in the blood treatment filter 10. The blood treatment filter is not limited to the form shown in the figure, and may be changed in various forms, for example, it may include a hemodialyzer, a hemodiafiltration filter, an adsorption filter, etc.

[0058] The blood treatment apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention may also be configured to further include a dialysate processing unit 30 for preparing a dialysate. The dialysate processing unit 30 may mix acidic ions and a bicarbonate solution, or acidic ions and bicarbonate powder in the ultrapure water produced by the water treatment unit 40, and prepare the dialysate by adjusting the concentration and pH value of electrolytes (such as bicarbonate and sodium).

[0059] The dialysate treatment unit 30 can also be configured to further include a dialysate treatment pump 31 for conveying the above-mentioned acidic ion solution and bicarbonate ion solution 32. The dialysate treatment pump 31 can also be divided into a first dialysate treatment pump 31a for conveying a first ion solution and a second dialysate treatment pump 31b for conveying a second ion solution. Here, the dialysate treatment pump 31 needs to convey an accurate amount of ion solution, so it is actually preferred to use a fluid pump. For example, it can be a rotary piston pump, a metering pulsating pump, a precision piston pump, etc.

[0060] In addition, the blood treatment apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention may also be configured to further include a supply dialysate storage unit 36 ​​and a discharge dialysate storage unit 38. The supply dialysate storage unit 36 ​​stores the dialysate and provides it to the blood treatment filter 10, and the discharge dialysate storage unit 38 may store the used dialysate. However, the dialysate may not be stored in the supply dialysate storage unit 36, but may be directly supplied to the blood treatment filter 10, and the used dialysate may not be stored in the discharge dialysate storage unit 38, but may be immediately discharged and discarded.

[0061] The dialysate is not limited to being prepared by the dialysate processing unit 30 as described above, but can also be supplied using, for example, a manufactured dialysate bag. In addition, the blood treatment apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention can further include a device for measuring the purity of the prepared dialysate, such as a conductivity sensor.

[0062] The water treatment unit 40 performs several filtration steps to produce ultrapure water, and may be configured to include, for example, a pretreatment filter, a carbon filter, a reverse osmosis pressure filter, an ion exchange resin, and an endotoxin filter, etc. The structure of the water treatment device 40 may be varied to meet the purpose of the blood treatment therapy.

[0063] The flow path control unit 60 is characterized in that it regulates the flow (or flow path) through the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe connected to the n fluid chambers. Therefore, various valve structures capable of opening or blocking the flow can be used as the flow path control unit 60. For example, the flow path control unit 60 can be any one of a one-way valve, a solenoid valve, an on-off valve, a booster valve, a rotary valve, and a pneumatic valve, or can also be composed of a combination of these valves.

[0064] A one-way valve is installed in each flow tube, wherein the flow channel inside the flow path is controlled by the flow path control unit 60 to restrict the flow inside the flow path in one direction. A solenoid valve and an on-off valve are installed in each flow tube, wherein the internal flow path is controlled by the flow path control unit 60 to open or block the internal flow. The pneumatic valve or pneumatic valve assembly may be composed of a pneumatic actuator and a pneumatic channel. The pneumatic actuator may pressurize or depressurize the pneumatic channel, through which the flow tube connected to the pneumatic channel may be expanded or pressurized, that is, open or block the internal flow. In Figure 4 and Figure 5 An exemplary pneumatic flow path control unit 60 is shown in FIG. As described above, the pneumatic channels and flow tubes can be pressurized or depressurized by various types of pneumatic actuators.

[0065] Figures 7 to 9The pressure-boosting valve, i.e., the pressure-boosting flow path control unit 60, is shown. The pressure-boosting valve according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include: a flow path blocking member 61 capable of blocking flow by compressing a portion of a flow tube in a linear or curved motion; a flow path blocking wall 62 for supporting the flow tube compressed by the flow path blocking member 61; and a flow path blocking member driver that drives the flow path blocking member 61.

[0066] Figure 7 and Figure 8 An exemplary flow path control unit 60 for regulating the flow path through eight flow tubes (51a, 51b, 52a, 52b, 53a, 53b, 54a and 54b) connected to four chambers (51 to 54) is shown. When the flow path blocking member 61 moves toward the flow tubes 51a, 52b, 53a and 54b, one end of the flow path blocking member 61 compresses these flow tubes supported by the flow path blocking wall 62 to block the internal flow. At this time, the flow path through the flow tubes 51b, 52a, 53b and 54a is opened. In addition, when the flow path blocking member 61 moves in the opposite direction, the other end of the flow path blocking member 61 compresses the flow tubes 51b, 52a, 53b and 54a to block the internal flow.

[0067] Here, for the sake of convenience, one end and the other end of the flow path blocking member 61 have been mentioned, but the flow path control unit 60 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the structure shown in the figure. Figure 7 As shown, the flow through the flow tubes 51a, 52b, 53a, 54b and the flow tubes 51b, 52a, 53b, 54a is alternately blocked by two or more separate flow path blocking members 61a and 61b. The flow path blocking member driver can be changed to drive the separate flow path blocking members 61a and 61b respectively.

[0068] Alternatively, when the flow tube is made of a soft material such as silicone, polyurethane, polyacetate, etc., the internal flow may be blocked when the flow tube is bent at a predetermined angle. That is, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the flow path blocking member 61 is not limited to blocking the internal flow by compressing the flow tube, and may bend the flow tube at a predetermined angle.

[0069] The flow path blocking member driver may have various structures that can cause the flow path blocking member 61 to move linearly or curvilinearly. The above description of the chamber pressurizing member driver may be equally applied to the flow path blocking member driver. For example, a cam that moves the flow path blocking member 61 toward the flow path blocking wall 62 and a motor that rotates the cam may be included, and when the flow path blocking member compresses the flow tube by the rotation of the cam, the internal flow is blocked, and when the external force is removed by the cam, the flow path blocking member is separated from the flow tube, and the flow tube is restored to its original state and opened by its own elastic force. Alternatively, when the eccentric wheel connected to the motor rotates to compress the flow tube on one side, the flow inside the compressed flow tube is blocked. When the cam rotates further, the external force of the cam compressing the tube is removed, and when the tube is restored to its original state, the tube can be opened. Alternatively, by rotating the eccentric cam connected to the motor, the flow tube that regulates the flow to the inside can be pressurized by the flow control unit 60, thereby preventing the flow inside. In addition, when the cam is further rotated or rotated in the reverse direction, the external force of the cam is removed, and the flow tube is restored to its original state, so that the internal flow can be opened.

[0070] Here, if Figure 8 As shown, the flow path control unit 60 can be changed to adjust the flow path through 12 flow tubes (51a, 51b, 52a, 52b, 53a, 53b, 54a, 54b, 55a, 55b, 56a and 56b) connected to six chambers (51 to 56). In particular, the flow path control unit 60 is characterized in that it alternately blocks the flow tubes 51a, 52b, 53a, 54b, 55a, 56b and the flow tubes 51b, 52a, 53b, 54a, 55b, 56a. In this case, in order to support the flow tube pressurized by the flow path blocking member 61, the flow path control unit 60 configured as a boost valve can also be configured to include a tube fixing unit 63 (not shown).

[0071] When the fluid chamber is compressed or expanded, the flow path control unit 60 is characterized in that it blocks the flow path through at least half of the flow tube, wherein the internal flow is controlled by the flow path control unit 60 .

[0072] The flow path control unit 60 is not limited to the above structure, and may be changed to another structure. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the flow control unit 60 according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is composed of a rotary valve, can be configured to include: a flow control shell 64, which has an internal space; a flow control rotor 66, which is configured to be able to rotate or move linearly in the internal space of the flow control shell; a plurality of flow control ports 65, which are configured to penetrate the flow control shell; and a rotor drive unit 67, which is used to drive the flow control rotor.

[0073] Here, in order to smoothly rotate or linearly move the flow path control rotor 66 in a state of close contact with the flow path control housing 64, the internal space of the flow path control housing 64 and the flow path control rotor 66 is more preferably cylindrical. Alternatively, the flow path control rotor 66 may be changed to perform linear motion while rotating. That is, the flow paths between at least two or more flow path control ports 65 may be connected by the rotational motion or linear motion of the flow path control rotor 66.

[0074] In addition, the flow control unit 60 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be configured to further include a flow control recess 68 on the flow control rotor 66. When the flow between any two flow control ports 65 is opened, the flow control recess 68 can make it easier for the fluid flowing through the flow control ports 65 to move. Fig. 9 , although the cross-sectional shape of the flow path control recess 68 is shown, the shape of the flow path control recess 68 is not limited to the figure, and may be changed to other shapes, such as a square, a triangle, etc. Fig.11 The flowchart of the blood treatment apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the flow path control unit 60 is configured as a rotary valve.

[0075] The plurality of flow control ports 65 may be installed at intervals along the circumferential direction of the inner space of the cylindrical flow control housing 64 (or the cylindrical flow control rotor). In addition, the plurality of flow control ports 65 may also be located on the same cross section. Specifically, the flow control ports 65 may be installed on any cross section when considering the cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the flow control rotor 66. Fig. 9 In FIG. 6 , it can be seen that the flow control port 65 is located on the cross sections marked as D-D' and E-E'. Here, those skilled in the art will understand that the meaning of being located on the same cross section not only means being located on the same cross section, but also means being located at a substantially similar height along the axial direction of the flow control rotor 66. In addition, as Fig.10 As shown in G-G' and H-H', the flow control port 65 can be divided and installed in two or more cross sections. That is, the flow control port 65 is characterized in that it can be located on a plane having substantially the same height along the axial direction of the flow control rotor 66.

[0076] As described above, the flow control rotor 66 can rotate in one direction, but can also rotate in two directions, such as clockwise and counterclockwise. In addition, the flow control rotor 66 can be implemented in another way to open or block the flow path between the flow control ports 65, such as performing linear motion when rotating. Here, the blocking or opening time of the flow path between the flow control ports 65 can be adjusted by the rotation speed of the flow control rotor 66.

[0077] When the flow control rotor 66 is tightly combined with the inside of the flow control housing 64, it is preferred that no fluid leaks through the combined surface. To this end, the flow control rotor 66 and / or the flow control housing 64 are preferably made of a material capable of inhibiting fluid leakage, such as polymer, metal, ABS, acrylic, etc.

[0078] In addition, to prevent such leakage, Fig.12 As shown, the flow control unit 60 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to further include protrusions 69 such as O-rings or washers on the circumferential surface of the flow control rotor 66. These protrusions 69 are made of a flexible material such as silicone or rubber to suppress leakage of the fluid through the bonding surface of the flow control rotor 66 and the flow control housing 64, or in order to more effectively suppress fluid leakage, it can be made of a hard material such as metal, aluminum, polymer or plastic. Here, the protrusions 69 such as O-rings or washers can be changed to protrusions 69 set in the internal space of the flow control housing 64 instead of being set in the flow control rotor 66. As shown in FIG. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, when the flow control rotor 66 is coupled to the inner space of the flow control housing 64, the flow control port 65 passing through the flow control housing 64 is preferably not deviated from the cylindrical circumferential surface of the flow control rotor 66 having a cylindrical shape. In addition, in the rotary valve according to the embodiment of the present invention, the flow through at least one flow control port 65 is always blocked.

[0079] The rotary valve is not limited to the above structure, and may be changed to another structure. In addition, the flow path control unit 60 is not limited to the above structure, and may be changed to another structure capable of opening or blocking the flow path through the flow tube connected to the fluid chamber.

[0080] In addition, the blood treatment apparatus 1 may be configured to include various sensors 24 and 34. These sensors are used to monitor the blood treatment treatment and may include, for example, a pressure sensor, an air bubble sensor, a blood leakage sensor, a temperature sensor, a conductivity sensor, etc. In addition, the blood treatment apparatus 1 may be configured to further include an endotoxin filter that removes harmful substances such as endotoxins and bacteria that may be contained in the dialysate to prevent contact with the blood.

[0081] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the blood processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 13 to 28 Various embodiments and operations of the blood treatment apparatus 1 are shown.

[0082] Example 1

[0083] The blood treatment apparatus 1 is configured to include four fluid chambers 51, 52, 55 and 56, for example, a first fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber, a fifth fluid chamber and a sixth fluid chamber ( Fig.13 ). Two chambers 51 and 52 are connected to the dialysate port of the blood treatment filter 10 to deliver the dialysate, and the other two chambers 55 and 56 are connected to the blood port to deliver the blood. It can be seen that the flow control unit 60 is configured as a booster valve to control the flow of the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe flowing through each chamber.

[0084] The two chambers 52 and 56 are compressed, and the other two chambers 51 and 55 are expanded. At this time, the flow path control unit 60 blocks the flow paths through the flow tubes 51a, 52b, 55a and 56b, and opens the flow paths through the flow tubes 51b, 52a, 55b and 56a ( Fig.13 ). Due to the expansion of the first chamber 51, the dialysate flows into the chamber through the first chamber inlet tube 51a. Due to the compression of the second chamber 52, the dialysate in the chamber is discharged through the second chamber outlet tube 52b. Due to the expansion of the fifth chamber 55, the patient's blood flows into the chamber through the fifth chamber inlet tube 55a. Due to the compression of the sixth chamber 56, the blood in the chamber flows back to the patient. At this time, neither the blood nor the dialysate flows through the blood treatment filter 10.

[0085] Here, the thick black line in the figure indicates that there is flow through the flow tube. That is, the flow path of the flow tube is opened by the flow path control unit 60. On the other hand, the thin black line indicates that there is no flow through the flow tube. That is, the flow path of the flow tube is blocked by the flow path control unit 60. In addition, the dotted line shows the auxiliary dialysate flow tube 81 and the auxiliary dialysate pump 82 installed therein.

[0086] On the other hand, when the two chambers 52 and 56 are expanded and the other two chambers 51 and 55 are compressed, the flow path control unit 60 opens the flow paths through the flow tubes 51a, 52b, 55a and 56b, and blocks the flow paths through the flow tubes 51b, 52a, 55b and 56a ( Fig.13 ). Due to the compression of the first chamber 51, the dialysate in the chamber is supplied to the blood treatment filter 10 through the first chamber outlet tube 51b. Due to the expansion of the second chamber 52, the dialysate of the blood treatment filter 10 is introduced into the second chamber 52 through the second chamber inlet tube 52a. Due to the compression of the fifth chamber 55, the blood in the chamber is supplied to the blood treatment filter 10 through the fifth chamber outlet tube 55b. Due to the expansion of the sixth chamber 56, the blood of the blood treatment filter 10 is introduced into the sixth chamber 56 through the sixth chamber inlet tube 56a. At this time, blood and dialysate flow through the blood treatment filter 10.

[0087] That is, the first chamber 51 supplies clean dialysate to the blood treatment filter 10, and the second chamber 52 is used to discharge the used dialysate from the blood treatment filter 10. The fifth chamber 55 supplies the patient's blood to the blood treatment filter 10, and the sixth chamber 56 returns the blood from the blood treatment filter 10 to the patient. Here, since the dialysate treatment unit 30 prepares the dialysate, the dialysate treatment unit 30 can be connected to the first chamber 51. Specifically, it can be connected through the first chamber inlet pipe 51a of the first chamber 51.

[0088] Here, in order to control the flow amount of the fluid flowing through each chamber 51, 52, 55 and 56, the chambers may have the same compression and expansion stroke volumes or different compression and expansion stroke volumes. Fig.13 In the stroke, the chamber pressurizing member 59 moves to the left or right by a predetermined length, thereby compressing or expanding the chamber. At this time, the volume of each chamber after compression and expansion can be defined as the stroke volume.

[0089] Here, chambers 51 and 52 may have the same stroke volume, and chambers 55 and 56 may also have the same stroke volume. As described above, the meaning of the same includes the meaning of substantially similar in addition to the meaning of completely the same. Similarly, the stroke volume of chambers 51 and 52 may be greater than the stroke volume of chambers 55 and 56. For example, the stroke volume of chambers 51 and 52 may be designed to be approximately twice the stroke volume of chambers 55 and 56. However, the stroke volume of the chamber may be sufficiently changed differently depending on the purpose of the blood treatment therapy. In order for the chambers to have the same stroke volume, the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space of the chamber may be the same or very similar. If the internal space of the chamber has a cylindrical shape, the inner diameter of the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space may be the same or similar.

[0090] The blood treatment apparatus 1 can be modified in various ways, for example, clean dialysate can be supplied to the blood treatment filter 10 through the second chamber 52, and the used dialysate of the blood treatment filter 10 can be discharged through the first chamber 51. Similarly, blood can be supplied to the blood treatment filter 10 through the sixth chamber 56, and the blood in the blood treatment filter 10 can be returned to the patient through the fifth chamber 55.

[0091] In addition, the flow path control unit 60 is not limited to a pressure-boosting valve configured to adjust the flow paths of the inlet and outlet pipes connected to the chambers 55 and 56. Fig.14 As shown, the flow path control unit 60 may be composed of one-way valves 55c and 56c.

[0092] Example 2

[0093] The blood treatment apparatus 1 is configured to include three fluid chambers 51, 52 and 55, for example, a first fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber and a fifth fluid chamber ( Fig.15 ) etc. Two chambers 51 and 52 are connected to the dialysate port of the blood treatment filter 10 to deliver the dialysate, and another chamber 55 is connected to the blood port to deliver the blood. It can be seen that the flow control unit 60 is configured as a booster valve to control the flow through the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe connected to each chamber 51, 52 and 55. Here, the flow control unit 60 can be additionally installed in the blood flow tube 22, through which the flow through the blood flow tube 22 connected to the second blood port 14 can be opened and closed.

[0094] When the second chamber 52 and the fifth chamber 55 are compressed and the first chamber 51 is expanded, the flow path control unit 60 opens the flow path through the flow tubes 51a, 52b, 55b and 22, and blocks the flow path through the flow tubes 51b, 52a and 55a ( Fig.15 Due to the expansion of the first chamber 51, the dialysate of the blood treatment filter 10 flows into the chamber through the first chamber inlet tube 51a. Due to the compression of the second chamber 52, the dialysate in the chamber is supplied to the blood treatment filter 10 through the second chamber outlet tube 52b. Due to the compression of the fifth chamber 55, the blood in the chamber is supplied to the blood treatment filter 10 through the fifth chamber inlet tube 55a, and is returned to the patient through the blood flow tube 22.

[0095] On the other hand, when the two chambers 52 and 55 are expanded and the other chamber 51 is compressed, the flow path control unit 60 blocks the flow paths through the flow tubes 51a, 52b, 55b and 22, and opens the flow paths through the flow tubes 51b, 52a and 55a. Due to the compression of the first chamber 51, the dialysate in the chamber is discharged through the first chamber outlet tube 51b. Due to the expansion of the second chamber 52, the dialysate is supplied to the chamber through the second chamber inlet tube 52a. Due to the expansion of the fifth chamber 55, the patient's blood is supplied to the chamber.

[0096] As shown, with this embodiment, blood may leak or backflow through a single needle (or catheter) connected to the patient.

[0097] Example 3

[0098] The blood treatment device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above structure, and can be changed to another flow path structure. For example, the patient's blood can be supplied to the blood treatment filter 10 or returned to the patient through two separate chambers 55 and 56. The two fluid chambers 55 and 56 can be compressed or expanded at once ( Fig.16 ). That is, the blood processing apparatus 1 has four chambers similarly to the above-mentioned embodiment 1, but when one chamber is compressed, the other three chambers can be expanded, and conversely, when one chamber is expanded, the other three chambers can be compressed.

[0099] At this time, the flow path control unit 60 may be configured as a one-way valve installed in each flow tube so as to control the flow through the flow tubes 55a, 55b, 56a and 56b connected to the fifth chamber 55 and the sixth chamber 56. Although the operation is similar to that of the second embodiment, it is characterized in that Fig.16 In the blood processing apparatus 1 , when both chambers 55 and 56 are compressed or expanded, blood flows through the blood processing filter 10 .

[0100] Example 4

[0101] Fig.17 and Fig.18 The blood treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is configured to include five fluid chambers. Specifically, four chambers 51 to 54 are connected to the dialysate ports 15 and 16 to allow the dialysate to flow, and another chamber 55 is connected to the first blood port 13 to transport blood.

[0102] When the chamber pressurizing member 59 is Fig.17 When the chamber 52 and 54 are moved to the right, that is, when the chambers 52 and 54 are compressed, the blood is transported to the blood treatment filter 10. Here, since the dialysate is transported by four chambers, the dialysate flows through the blood treatment filter 10 when the chambers are compressed or expanded.

[0103] Since the flow path and operation of the dialysate are very similar to those of Embodiments 5 and 6 described later, they will be described in detail later. The flow path and operation of the blood are similar to those of the above-described second embodiment.

[0104] Similarly, the blood treatment apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be modified to have six fluid chambers 51 to 56 for conveying blood and dialysate. Fig.17 and Fig.18 As shown, the dialysate is delivered through the first to fourth chambers 51 to 54. However, the blood is delivered by two chambers 55 and 56, but the two chambers are characterized in that they are compressed or expanded at the same time, such as Fig.16 At this time, the flow path control unit 60 for regulating the flow path through the flow tubes 55a, 55b, 56a and 56b connected to the chambers 55 and 56 can be configured as a one-way valve. In addition, the flow path control unit 60 for regulating the flow path through the flow tubes connected to the chambers 51 to 54 can be formed by any one of a one-way valve, a solenoid valve, a booster valve and a rotary valve, or a combination thereof.

[0105] Example 5

[0106] Fig.19 and Fig. 20Another embodiment of the blood treatment device 1 is shown. The blood treatment device 1 includes six fluid chambers 51 to 56, and the dialysate is transported through the chambers 51 to 54. In particular, the dialysate is supplied to the blood treatment filter 10 through the first chamber 51 and the fourth chamber 54, and is discharged through the second chamber 52 and the third chamber 53. Therefore, it is preferred that the chambers 51 and 54 are connected to the first dialysate port 15, and the chambers 52 and 53 are connected to the second dialysate port 16. At this time, the dialysate treatment unit 30 can be connected to the first chamber 51 and the fourth chamber 54 through the first chamber inlet pipe 51a and the fourth chamber inlet pipe 54a, respectively.

[0107] Blood is transported through chambers 55 and 56. Blood is supplied to the blood processing filter 10 through the fifth chamber 55, and blood is returned to the patient through the sixth chamber 56. Therefore, the fifth chamber 55 may be connected to the first blood port 13, and the sixth chamber 56 may be connected to the second blood port 14.

[0108] At this time, the flow path control unit 60 may be configured as a pressurizing valve for the flow pipes connected to the chambers 51 to 54 , and a check valve installed at the flow pipes connected to the chambers 55 and 56 , respectively.

[0109] like Fig.19 As shown, the first chamber 51, the third chamber 53 and the fifth chamber 55 are expanded by the chamber pressurizing member 59, and the second chamber 52, the fourth chamber 54 and the sixth chamber 56 are compressed. At this time, the flow path control unit 60 opens the flow through the first chamber inlet pipe 51a, the second chamber outlet pipe 52b, the third chamber inlet pipe 53a and the fourth chamber outlet pipe 54b, and blocks the flow through the first chamber outlet pipe 51b, the second chamber inlet pipe 52a, the third chamber outlet pipe 53b and the fourth chamber inlet pipe 54a.

[0110] Due to the expansion of the first chamber 51, the dialysate is introduced into the chamber through the first chamber inlet tube 51a. Due to the compression of the second chamber 52, the internal dialysate is discharged through the second chamber outlet tube 52b. Due to the expansion of the third chamber 53, the dialysate of the blood treatment filter 10 flows into the interior of the chamber through the third chamber inlet tube 53a. Due to the compression of the fourth chamber 54, the internal dialysate is supplied to the blood treatment filter 10 through the fourth chamber outlet tube 54b. Due to the expansion of the fifth chamber 55, the blood from the patient flows into the interior of the chamber through the fifth chamber inlet tube 55a. Due to the compression of the sixth chamber 56, the internal blood is supplied to the blood treatment filter 10 through the sixth chamber outlet tube 56b. At this time, by the operation of the check valves 55c and 56c installed in the inlet and outlet pipes of the fifth and sixth chambers 56, the blood in the sixth chamber 56 will not flow back to the patient, and the blood from the blood treatment filter 10 will not flow back to the fifth chamber 55. At this time, it can be seen that blood does not flow through the blood processing filter 10 .

[0111] On the other hand, Fig. 20 As shown, the first chamber 51, the third chamber 53 and the fifth chamber 55 are compressed by the chamber pressurizing member 59, and the second chamber 52, the fourth chamber 54 and the sixth chamber 56 are compressed by the chamber pressurizing member 59. At this time, the flow path control unit 60 blocks the flow through the flow tubes 51a, 52b, 53a and 54b, and opens the flow through the flow tubes 51b, 52a, 53b and 54a.

[0112] Due to the compression of the first chamber 51, the internal dialysate is supplied to the blood treatment filter 10 through the second chamber outlet tube 52b. Due to the expansion of the second chamber 52, the dialysate of the blood treatment filter 10 flows into the chamber through the second chamber inlet tube 52a. Due to the compression of the third chamber 53, the internal dialysate is discharged through the third chamber outlet tube 53b. Due to the expansion of the fourth chamber 54, the dialysate is introduced into the chamber through the fourth chamber inlet tube 54a. Due to the compression of the fifth chamber 55, the internal blood is supplied to the blood treatment filter 10 through the fifth chamber outlet tube 55b. Due to the expansion of the sixth chamber 56, the patient's blood flows into the chamber through the sixth chamber inlet tube 56a. Due to the one-way valves 55c and 56c installed in the inlet and outlet tubes of the fifth chamber 55 and the sixth chamber 56, the blood in the fifth chamber 55 will not flow back to the patient, and the blood of the blood treatment filter 10 will not flow back to the sixth chamber 56. At this time, it is characterized in that both blood and dialysate flow through the blood treatment filter 10.

[0113] As mentioned above, chambers 51 to 56 may have different stroke volumes. For example, Fig.21 and Fig. 221 shows a flow chart of a blood treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first chamber 51 and the third chamber 53 have a larger stroke volume than the second chamber 52 and the fourth chamber 54. When moving to the left side of the chamber pressurizing member 59 ( Fig.21 ), since the third chamber 53 has a larger stroke volume than the fourth chamber 54, an ultrafiltration phenomenon occurs, that is, water and urea poison in the blood pass through the membrane 12 and move to the dialysate area of ​​the blood treatment filter 10.

[0114] On the contrary, when moving to the right side of the chamber pressurizing member 59 ( Fig. 22 ), since the stroke volume of the first chamber 51 is greater than the stroke volume of the second chamber 52, a backfiltration phenomenon occurs, that is, the dialysate moves through the membrane 12 to the blood region of the blood treatment filter 10. Therefore, by adjusting the stroke volume of the chamber, the filtration amount and the backfiltration amount can be adjusted, which means that more dynamic material transfer occurs between the blood and the dialysate.

[0115] Similarly, by changing the stroke volumes of chambers 55 and 56 to be the same or different from each other, the net filtration amount, which can be calculated as the difference between the filtration amount and the back filtration amount, can be adjusted. In addition, the stroke volumes of the six chambers can be set to be all the same or all different.

[0116] The flow path control unit 60 is composed of a booster valve connected to the flow tubes of the first chamber 51 to the fourth chamber 54 and a one-way flow tube connected to the fifth chamber 55 and the sixth chamber 56. However, the flow path control unit 60 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the flow path control unit 60 may be configured as a booster valve to open and close the flow path flowing through the flow tubes connected to the first chamber 51 to the sixth chamber 56. That is, Figure 8 As shown, the flow path control unit 60 in the form of a booster valve is characterized by regulating the flow paths flowing through the flow tubes 51a, 51b, 52a, 52b, 53a, 53b, 54a, 54b, 55a, 55b, 56a and 56b connected to the first chamber 51 to the sixth chamber 56. Alternatively, the flow path control unit 60 may be configured as a one-way valve installed in each flow tube to open and close the flow paths flowing through the flow tubes connected to the first chamber 51 to the sixth chamber 56. This will be described in more detail below.

[0117] Example 6

[0118] Fig.23 and Fig.24A blood treatment device 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Blood is supplied to the blood treatment filter 10 through the fifth chamber 55 and the sixth chamber 56. However, unlike the fifth embodiment described above, it can be seen that the fifth chamber 55 and the sixth chamber 56 are both connected to the first blood port 13.

[0119] Due to the chamber pressurizing member 59, when the first chamber 51, the third chamber 53 and the fifth chamber 55 are expanded, the second chamber 52, the fourth chamber 54 and the sixth chamber 56 are compressed ( Fig.23 ), due to the expansion of the fifth chamber 55, the patient's blood flows into the chamber through the fifth chamber inlet tube 55a. At this time, through the compression of the sixth chamber 56, the blood is supplied to the blood processing filter 10 through the sixth chamber outlet tube 56b.

[0120] On the other hand, due to the chamber pressurizing member 59, when the first chamber 51, the third chamber 53 and the fifth chamber 55 are compressed, the second chamber 52, the fourth chamber 54 and the sixth chamber 56 are expanded ( Fig.24 ), by compression of the fifth chamber 55, the blood inside the chamber is supplied to the blood treatment filter 10 through the fifth chamber outlet tube 55b. Due to the expansion of the sixth chamber 55, the patient's blood flows into the chamber through the sixth chamber inlet tube 56a. Therefore, during the compression and expansion of the chamber, both the blood and the dialysate flow through the blood treatment filter 10.

[0121] The first to fourth chambers 51 to 54 have substantially the same stroke volumes, but the stroke volumes of chambers 55 and 56 may be different from those of chambers 51 to 54. For example, the stroke volumes of chambers 55 and 56 may be set to have approximately half the stroke volumes of chambers 51 to 54.

[0122] Here, in the first chamber 51 to the sixth chamber 56, the number of chambers through which the first fluid (e.g., blood) flows and the number of chambers through which the second fluid (e.g., dialysate) flows can be changed to suit the purpose of blood treatment therapy, which is obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0123] Example 7

[0124] Fig.25 and Fig.26 1 shows a flow chart of a blood treatment apparatus 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the flow path control unit 60 is configured as a one-way valve (or check valve) installed in the flow pipes connected to the first chamber 51 to the sixth chamber 56, respectively. That is, the first chamber check valve 51c is installed in the first chamber inlet pipe 51a and the first chamber outlet pipe 51b. Similarly, the second chamber check valve 52c is provided in the second chamber inlet pipe 52a and the second chamber outlet pipe 52b.

[0125] like Fig.25 As shown, due to the chamber pressurizing member 59, the first chamber 51, the third chamber 53 and the fifth chamber 55 are opened, and the second chamber 52, the fourth chamber 54 and the sixth chamber 56 are compressed.

[0126] Due to the expansion of the first chamber 51, the dialysate is introduced into the chamber through the first chamber inlet pipe 51a. At this time, the dialysate of the blood treatment filter 10 will not flow back into the chamber due to the first chamber check valve 51c. Due to the compression of the second chamber 52, the internal dialysate is discharged through the second chamber outlet pipe 52b. At this time, the dialysate will not flow back to the blood treatment filter 10 due to the second chamber check valve 52c. Due to the expansion of the third chamber 53, the dialysate of the blood treatment filter 10 flows into the chamber through the third chamber inlet pipe 53a. At this time, the used dialysate will not flow back into the chamber due to the third chamber check valve 53c. Due to the compression of the fourth chamber 54, the internal dialysate is supplied to the blood treatment filter 10 through the fourth chamber outlet pipe 54b. At this time, the dialysate will not flow back to the supply dialysate storage unit 36 ​​due to the fourth chamber check valve 54c. Due to the expansion of the fifth chamber 55, blood from the patient flows into the chamber through the fifth chamber inlet pipe 55a. The blood in the blood processing filter 10 does not flow back into the fifth chamber 55 due to the fifth chamber check valve 55c. Due to the compression of the sixth chamber 56, the internal blood is supplied to the blood processing filter 10 through the sixth chamber outlet tube 56b. At this time, the blood in the sixth chamber 56 does not flow back to the patient due to the sixth chamber check valve 56c.

[0127] On the other hand, Fig.26 As shown, due to the chamber pressurizing member 59, the first chamber 51, the third chamber 53 and the fifth chamber 55 are compressed, and the second chamber 52, the fourth chamber 54 and the sixth chamber 56 are expanded.

[0128] Due to the compression of the first chamber 51, the internal dialysate is supplied to the blood treatment filter 10 through the second chamber outlet pipe 52b. At this time, the dialysate will not flow back to the supply dialysate storage unit 36 ​​due to the first chamber check valve 51c. Due to the expansion of the second chamber 52, the dialysate of the blood treatment filter 10 flows into the chamber through the second chamber inlet pipe 52a. At this time, the used dialysate will not flow back to the second chamber 52 due to the second chamber check valve 52c. Due to the compression of the third chamber 53, the internal dialysate is discharged through the third chamber outlet pipe 53b. At this time, the dialysate will not flow back to the blood treatment filter 10 due to the third chamber check valve 53c. Due to the expansion of the fourth chamber 54, the dialysate is introduced into the chamber through the fourth chamber inlet pipe 54a. At this time, the dialysate of the blood treatment filter 10 will not flow back to the fourth chamber 54 due to the fourth chamber check valve 54c. Due to the compression of the fifth chamber 55, the internal blood is supplied to the blood processing filter 10 through the fifth chamber outlet tube 55b. The blood in the chamber does not flow back to the patient due to the fifth chamber check valve 55c. Due to the expansion of the sixth chamber 56, the patient's blood flows into the chamber through the sixth chamber inlet tube 56a. The blood from the blood processing filter 10 does not flow back to the sixth chamber 56 due to the sixth chamber check valve 56c.

[0129] The check valve installed in the flow tube can limit the fluid flowing through the flow tube to flow in one direction. Here, the check valve opening pressure capable of opening the check valve does not have a predetermined value and can be set to an appropriate value required to drive the blood treatment device. The opening pressure refers to the pressure difference between the upstream and downstream of the one-way valve that can open the flow through the one-way valve. For example, when the flow path control unit 60 is not operated, it is preferred to have an opening pressure that does not generate a flow through the one-way valve. For example, the one-way valve of one embodiment of the present invention may have an opening pressure between 10 mmHg and 180 mmHg. More specifically, it may have an opening pressure of 12 mmHg to 60 mmHg.

[0130] Example 8

[0131] The blood treatment device 1 can be changed into different structures, such as Fig. 27 and Fig.28 As shown, the blood treatment device 1 can be changed to have eight fluid chambers. In this case, four chambers can transport dialysate, and the other four chambers can transport blood.

[0132] Specifically, the first chamber 51 to the fourth chamber 54 transfer the dialysate, two chambers 51 and 54 supply the dialysate to the blood processing filter 10, and the other two chambers 52 and 53 are used to discharge the dialysate from the blood processing filter 10. This is the same as described above.

[0133] Blood flows through the operation of the fifth chamber 55 to the eighth chamber 58. Specifically, two chambers supply blood to the blood processing filter 10, and the other two chambers are used to return the blood of the blood processing filter 10 to the patient. This operation is also the same as described above, so repeated description is omitted.

[0134] The flow path control unit 60 regulates the flow paths through the inlet pipes and the outlet pipes connected to the first chamber 51 to the eighth chamber 58, and can be configured as a one-way valve, a solenoid valve, an on-off valve, a booster valve, a rotary valve, etc. Here, the flow path control unit 60 can block the flow path through any of the eight flow pipes and open the flow paths through the other eight flow pipes.

[0135] In addition, the blood processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it further includes a blood pump 23 installed in the blood flow tube 21 or 22 . Fig.29 The blood treatment apparatus 1 is shown with a blood pump 23 installed in a blood flow tube 21. As shown in the figure, the dialysate flows through the first chamber 51 to the fourth chamber 54. Specifically, the two chambers 51 and 54 supply the dialysate to the blood treatment filter 10, and the other two chambers 52 and 53 are used to discharge the dialysate from the blood treatment filter 10.

[0136] In addition, the above-mentioned multiple fluid chambers are not limited to left and right configurations, and can be changed to be installed in a vertical direction, such as Fig.30 As shown. When the half of the chamber on the left side is compressed, the half of the chamber on the right side will expand. Vice versa. In addition, the chamber pressurizing member 59 can be divided into a first chamber pressurizing member 59a and a second chamber pressurizing member 59b, which can compress or expand the left and right chambers of the figure respectively. Here, it can be seen that a boosting valve is installed in the flow tube connected to the chambers 51 to 54, and a one-way valve is installed in the flow tube connected to the chambers 55 and 56. However, the flow path control unit 60 can be configured as a one-way valve, a solenoid valve, an on-off valve, a boosting valve, a rotary valve, etc., to control the flow path flowing through the flow tube connected to the first chamber 51 to the sixth chamber 56.

[0137] In addition, the blood treatment apparatus 1 may be configured to further include an auxiliary dialysate flow tube 81 and an auxiliary dialysate pump 82. The auxiliary dialysate pump 82 is installed in the auxiliary dialysate flow tube 81 to further remove the dialysate from the blood treatment filter 10. Therefore, the auxiliary dialysate flow tube 81 may interconnect the inlet tube of the second chamber 52 or the third chamber 53 (i.e., the dialysate inlet of the blood treatment filter 10) with the drain dialysate storage unit 38 or the sewage line.

[0138] The auxiliary dialysate pump 82 can remove additional dialysate while the amount of dialysate supplied to the blood treatment filter 10 by the fluid delivery device 50 remains substantially the same as the amount of dialysate discharged from the blood treatment filter 10. Therefore, the auxiliary dialysate pump 82 needs to determine the amount of pure water to be removed from the patient and deliver the correct amount of water. As the auxiliary dialysate pump 82, various precision pumps can be used, for example, a precision pulsating pump, a roller pump, a cylinder-based pulsating pump, a gear pump, etc. According to the present invention, a metering rotary piston pump can be used.

[0139] Fig.31 The flow control method of the flow path control unit 60 is shown. As described above, the flow path control unit 60 is characterized in that the flow path flowing through a part of the flow tubes is blocked and the flow path flowing through another part of the flow tubes is opened. And the flow path control unit 60 repeats this blocking and opening. For example, the flow path control unit 60 of the first embodiment above alternately blocks the flow tubes 51a, 52b, 55a, 56b and the flow tubes 51b, 52a, 55b, 56a.

[0140] Therefore, if Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the flow path control unit 60 can be divided into a first flow path control unit 60a and a second flow path control unit 60b. In the case of the first embodiment, the flow tubes 51a, 52b, 55a and 56b can be controlled by the first flow path control unit 60a, and the flow tubes 51b, 52a, 55b and 56a can be controlled by the second flow path control unit 60b. When the flow is blocked by the first flow path control unit 60a, the flow path through the second flow path control unit 60b can be opened.

[0141] Even if the first flow path control unit 60a and the second flow path control unit 60b repeat compression and expansion, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the flow paths may sometimes be blocked at the same time due to the first flow path control unit 60a and the second flow path control unit 60b. That is, the flow path control unit 60 may temporarily block all flow paths through the flow tube whose internal flow is controlled by the flow path control unit 60. This may occur when the first flow path control unit 60a and the second flow path control unit 60b switch compression or expansion.

[0142] Therefore, if Fig.31 As shown, the flow control method of the flow path control unit 60 may include the following steps.

[0143] (S1) blocking the first flow path control unit 60a,

[0144] (S2) Open the second flow path control unit 60b,

[0145] (S3) operating the chamber pressurizing member 59,

[0146] (S4) blocking the second flow path control unit 60b,

[0147] (S5) Open the first flow path control unit 60a, and

[0148] (S6) The chamber pressurizing means 59 is operated.

[0149] Here, in order to make the chamber pressurizing member 59 repeat the compression and expansion of the chamber, preferably, when the chamber pressurizing member 59 is operated in one direction in S3, the chamber pressurizing member 59 is moved in another direction in S6. In addition, in S1 and S4, it can be seen that both the first flow path control unit 60a and the second flow path control unit 60b block the flow. However, in S2, the flow is blocked only by the first flow path control unit 60a, and in S5, the flow is blocked only by the second flow path control unit 60b.

[0150] Here, the flow path control unit 60 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to further include a step of delaying the time between steps S1 to S6 to a predetermined time. For example, it may be configured to include a first time delay step D1 between S1 and S2, a second time delay step D2 between S2 and S3, and / or a third time delay step D3 between S3 and S4. For the stability of the blood treatment therapy, preferably D1 to D3 have set values. For example, D1 and D2 may have similar values ​​from 0 to 1.2 seconds, and D3 may have a value from 0 to 2.5 seconds.

[0151] In addition, the time taken for steps S1 and S4 can be the same, and similarly, the time taken for steps S2 and S5 can be the same. Alternatively, steps S1, S2, S4 and S5 take substantially the same time, ranging from about 0.2 to 1.2 seconds. More specifically, it takes 0.4 to 0.8 seconds. Similarly, steps S3 and S6 take substantially the same time, ranging from about 0.4 to 2.4 seconds.

[0152] According to a blood treatment device of one embodiment of the present invention, blood and dialysate can be simultaneously transported through a single chamber pressurizing member by compressing or expanding a plurality of fluid chambers at the same time. The plurality of fluid chambers can keep the amount of dialysate supplied to the blood treatment filter and the amount of dialysate discharged from the blood treatment filter the same. Therefore, the use of an existing blood pump and a balancing chamber can be eliminated, thereby greatly reducing the size and weight of the blood treatment device as a whole, making it easy to install, and thus reducing the cost of blood treatment. Therefore, the blood treatment device according to the present invention can effectively perform blood treatment not only in a hospital but also outside a hospital.

[0153] The embodiments of the present invention as described above and shown in the accompanying drawings should not be interpreted as limiting the technical concept of the present invention, and the protection scope of the present invention is limited only by the contents described in the claims. Ordinary technicians in the technical field of the present invention can improve or change the technical concept of the present invention in various forms, and such improvements and changes will fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A blood treatment device, characterized in that: include: a plurality of chambers having an interior space; a chamber pressurizing member for compressing or expanding the internal spaces of the plurality of chambers; a pressurizing member driver for driving the chamber pressurizing member; and Flow control unit, wherein the plurality of chambers are configured to include n chambers, wherein n is a positive integer of 2 or greater, Each of the n chambers is configured to be connected to a first flow tube and a second flow tube, wherein the first flow tube allows fluid to flow into the chamber and the second flow tube allows fluid to flow out of the chamber. The flow path control unit is used to control the flow through the flow tube connected to the nth chamber, The n chambers are compressed or expanded simultaneously by the chamber pressurizing member, Among them, when n is an even number, n / 2 chambers are compressed at the same time and n / 2 chambers are expanded at the same time. When n is an odd number, (n+1) / 2 chambers are compressed at the same time and (n-1) / 2 chambers are expanded at the same time.

2. The blood treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Further comprising a blood processing filter for processing blood internally, wherein the blood processing filter comprises: A blood filter housing having an internal space; a first blood port, disposed at one end of the blood filter housing, through which blood flows into the blood processing filter; a second blood port, disposed at the other end of the blood filter housing, through which blood is discharged from the blood processing filter; and At least one dialysate port is disposed in the blood filter housing, and dialysate flows through the dialysate port.

3. The blood treatment device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The dialysate port connects at least two or more chambers.

4. The blood treatment device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first blood port is connected to a second flow tube, which is connected to at least one chamber.

5. The blood treatment device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second blood port is connected to a first flow tube, which is connected to at least one chamber.

6. The blood treatment device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The flow path control unit is configured to include: a flow path blocking member that pressurizes a portion of the flow tube to block internal flow; a flow path blocking wall supporting the flow tube pressurized by the flow path blocking member; and A flow path blocking member driver drives the flow path blocking member.

7. The blood treatment device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The flow path control unit comprises: A flow path control housing having an inner space in a cylindrical shape; A flow path control rotor having a cylindrical shape and disposed in the inner space of the flow path control housing; a plurality of flow control ports disposed through the flow control housing; and A rotor driving unit drives the flow path control rotor, The flow passing through at least one flow control port is blocked by the flow control rotor, and one end of the flow control port located on the inner circumferential surface of the flow control housing is located within the circumferential surface of the flow control rotor having a cylindrical shape.

8. The blood treatment device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The flow path control unit comprises: a gas pressure channel capable of pressurizing or depressurizing a flow tube, wherein the flow of the flow tube is controlled by the flow control unit; and The pneumatic driver is capable of pressurizing or depressurizing the pneumatic channel.

9. The blood treatment device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The flow path control unit includes a one-way valve disposed in each flow tube, wherein the flow inside the flow path control unit is controlled by the flow path control unit to restrict the flow inside the flow tube in one direction.

10. The blood treatment device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The flow path control unit further comprises: a one-way valve installed in each flow tube, wherein the flow inside the flow path control unit is controlled by the flow path control unit to restrict the flow inside the flow tube in one direction.

11. The blood treatment device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The method further comprises: a blood pump, which is arranged in a blood flow tube connected to the first blood port or the second blood port and transports blood through the blood processing filter.

12. The blood treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The flow path control unit blocks the flow passing through at least a portion of the flow tube, wherein the flow inside the flow tube is controlled by the flow path control unit.

13. The blood treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The chamber is made of hard material. The chamber pressurizing member includes a portion made of a flexible material to compress or expand an inner space of the chamber.

14. The blood treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The chamber is made of a flexible material that is easily compressed and expanded. The chamber pressurizing member includes a portion made of a hard material to compress or expand the inner space of the chamber.

15. The blood treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: At least two of the chambers compressed simultaneously have the same stroke volume, At least two of the chambers that expand simultaneously have the same stroke volume.

16. The blood treatment apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that The compression-expansion stroke volume of at least one of the compressed chambers is greater than or less than the stroke volume of at least one of the expanded chambers.

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