dialysis device

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide a dialysis apparatus with optimized placement and operability of the monitor unit. Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a dialysis apparatus that reduces the burden on technicians in attaching blood circuits. [Solution] The dialysis apparatus comprises a housing 1 consisting of an electrical unit and a dialysate unit, a blood circuit connected to the patient through which blood and dialysate flow, an extracorporeal circulation unit 8 located on the front of the housing 1 and connected to the blood circuit, a dialyzer 2 located on the side of the housing, and a monitor unit 3 for operating each function and understanding the treatment status. Furthermore, the monitoring unit 3 is characterized by being positioned on the upper surface of the extracorporeal circulation unit as a deployable lid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dialysis device.

Background Art

[0002] (Principle of Dialysis Treatment) The principle of dialysis treatment is to temporarily withdraw blood from a dialysis patient (hereinafter, the "dialysis patient" is abbreviated as "patient"), remove unnecessary water and waste products, and then return it to the body again to maintain the blood in a normal state. Since the osmotic pressure is utilized in the treatment, dialysis fluid is required in addition to blood. The principle of dialysis treatment is to temporarily withdraw blood from a patient, remove unnecessary water and waste products, and then return it to the body again to maintain the blood in a normal state.

[0003] These blood and dialysis fluid circulate through separate tubes as a blood circuit and an extracorporeal circulation part, respectively. The blood circulating in the blood circuit and the dialysis fluid in the extracorporeal circulation part merge in a dialyzer (artificial kidney) attached to the dialysis device. In the dialyzer, waste products are removed by removing water from the blood. The blood that has returned to a normal state is returned to the body, and the unnecessary water and waste products absorbed by the dialysis fluid are drained.

[0004] (Development of Dialysis Device) The development of dialysis devices has been aimed at providing safe and comfortable treatment to patients and reducing the burden on technicians who operate the dialysis devices (hereinafter, the "technicians who operate the dialysis devices" are abbreviated as "technicians"). To achieve this, the roles played by technical improvements and design are significant. A dialysis device is composed of a dialyzer which is an artificial kidney, a blood circuit through which blood circulates, a stock solution tank into which the stock solution of dialysis fluid enters, a dialysis fluid adjustment part that generates dialysis fluid, an operation part for setting, a display part for checking the treatment and setting status, and an electrical equipment part that controls these.

[0005] To date, technological development has been carried out for each of the above-mentioned parts. Accordingly, numerous patent applications have been filed, including those for Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2. And that led to the development of today's excellent dialysis machines. Furthermore, in Non-Patent Document 1, the inventors reviewed the changes in dialysis machine development over the past 50 years and summarized the current challenges and problems.

[0006] (Findings in Non-Patent Document 1) The findings in Non-Patent Document 1 can be summarized as follows: (1) The first generation involved the development of a combination of multiple dialysis monitoring devices and dialysate supply devices. This invention made it possible to perform many treatments at once and save many patients. Furthermore, it continues to be used as the standard system in Japan, based on a unique Japanese standard. In addition, the significant miniaturization of the dialysis machine, which is the "machine" located next to the patient during treatment, has brought great benefits to both technicians and patients.

[0007] (2) The evolution of blood circuits and dialyzers. These two components are directly connected to the patient and form an extremely important circuit through which the patient's blood circulates from blood withdrawal to blood return during treatment. Furthermore, a significant portion of the technician's preparation for dialysis treatment is spent setting these two modules into the extracorporeal circulation unit. In the development process to date, the mass production and miniaturization of the blood circuit and dialyzer have greatly contributed to reducing the workload for technicians and miniaturizing the equipment.

[0008] When attaching a blood circuit to the extracorporeal circulation unit, a smaller height difference between the upper and lower ends reduces the burden on the operator. Therefore, the extracorporeal circulation unit is currently designed in an arc shape to maximize surface area while minimizing the vertical drop. However, with the increasing sophistication of functions, including monitoring capabilities, the number of extracorporeal circulation components is increasing, making it difficult to secure sufficient space for their placement.

[0009] (3) The evolution of the display and control units. These components significantly impact the visual appearance of the device, making them susceptible to general technological influences, and their specifications and sizes change more rapidly than other parts. Currently, the evolution to touch panels allows for visual confirmation and operation in a single location. Furthermore, the ability to use hierarchical interfaces in the operation screen makes automation settings easier.

[0010] (4) The presence of the electrical components and the dialysis fluid components. The electrical components are consistently located at the top of the casing to prevent electrical leakage due to dialysis fluid leaks. Furthermore, the relationship between the dialysis fluid section and the electrical components, with the electrical components located below, has remained consistent from the beginning to the present. These components also occupy a significant portion of the dialysis machine, determining its overall size and proportions. The dialysis machine is located next to the patient, and for patients receiving treatment in a supine position in particular, it obstructs their view and can create a feeling of confinement. Furthermore, because it is placed between rows of beds, it significantly impacts the spacing between beds.

[0011] (Conventional dialysis machine) Based on the above, Figure 7 shows the dialysis equipment currently in use. In this specification, this dialysis apparatus will be described as a conventional dialysis apparatus for the purposes of the present invention. In Figure 7, (a) is a side view of the dialysis machine, and (b) is a front view of the dialysis machine.

[0012] Conventional dialysis machines consist of a housing 1 that occupies most of the machine's volume, a pole 6 that extends upward from the side of the housing 1, an extracorporeal circulation unit 8 that is inclined on the top surface of the housing 1, a monitor unit 3 located on the top of the housing 1, a dialyzer 2 that filters the blood, and a blood circuit that includes various tubes connecting the patient to the dialysis machine.

[0013] The lower part of the housing 1 contains a dialysate section, which includes a dialysate preparation unit that generates and delivers dialysate, while the upper part of the housing 1 contains an electrical unit that controls the amount of dialysate and other parameters. The housing 1, which occupies most of the device volume, has realistic dimensions while considering the transition of device sizes from the past to the present and the function as a partition to protect patient privacy.

[0014] The blood circuit is suspended on the pole 6 and is connected to the dialyzer 2, the extracorporeal circulation part 8 and the patient via a tube. When the bubble detector detects bubbles during dialysis treatment, it enables visual inspection of the blood immediately after flowing through the blood circuit. That is, for confirming normal blood flow, the chamber 9 is always placed at a visually accessible position.

[0015] The dialyzer 2 is placed in the middle between the pole part and the extracorporeal circulation part, and is laid out to be connected by the shortest tube. Also, the dialyzer 2 can be mounted alone and can rotate up and down. Next, the extracorporeal circulation part 8 is arranged to be inclined upward of the housing 1 considering operability.

[0016] In FIG. 7, 3 is a monitor part including the monitor main body 4 having a display part and an operation part. It is arranged to be easily operable in parallel with a series of procedures of the technician, and at the same time, considering visibility and access from the patient, it is arranged above the housing 1. Also, in FIG. 7, 5 is a tray on which blood circuit accessories, blood collection bottles, etc. can be temporarily placed. The tray is arranged above the housing 1 together with the monitor part.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0017]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Non - Patent Documents

[0018]

Non - Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0019] (Monitor section) The monitor section 3 needs to be operable by a technician while attaching the blood circuit, puncturing the patient, collecting blood, and administering medicine. Also, as can be seen from Fig. 7, in the conventional dialysis device, since the monitor section 3 is at the upper part of the device, the pole 6 to which the blood circuit is attached is pushed close to the patient and arranged. Considering the future popularization of home dialysis, it is necessary to assume that part of the monitor operation will be performed by the patient. Therefore, it is necessary to study the arrangement position and operability of the monitor section 3.

[0020] (Load of attaching the blood circuit) Attaching the blood circuit in the treatment preparation stage is a burden on the technician. The technician needs to securely connect to a predetermined position while untangling the complicated state where the tubes and chambers of the blood circuit are intertwined. And the access range has a large vertical drop from the upper part of the pole to the lower part of the dialysis device. Therefore, the technician has to perform complicated procedures while changing their posture.

[0021] The presence of the pole 6 with a complicated blood circuit nearby is also a psychological burden on the patient. On the other hand, in dialysis treatment, since the patient's blood is drawn and flowed into the circuit, the circuit should be made as short as possible. Therefore, naturally, the blood circuit and the patient have to be close. It is necessary to study reducing the burden on the technician while reducing the complicated appearance by improving the blood circuit.

[0022] Based on the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a dialysis device with optimized arrangement position and operability of the monitor section. Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a dialysis apparatus that reduces the burden on technicians in attaching blood circuits. [Means for solving the problem]

[0023] The means for solving the problems of the present invention are as follows: (1) A dialysis machine comprising a housing consisting of an electrical unit and a dialysate unit, a blood circuit connected to the patient through which blood and dialysate flow, an extracorporeal circulation unit located on the front of the housing and connected to the blood circuit, a dialyzer located on the side of the housing, and a monitoring unit for operating each function and understanding the treatment status, The dialysis apparatus is characterized in that the above-mentioned monitoring unit is covered by a lid on the upper surface of the above-mentioned extracorporeal circulation unit. (2) A dialysis machine comprising a housing consisting of an electrical unit and a dialysate unit, a blood circuit connected to the patient through which blood and dialysate flow, an extracorporeal circulation unit located on the front of the housing and connected to the blood circuit, a dialyzer located on the side of the housing, and a monitoring unit for operating each function and understanding the treatment status, The dialysis apparatus is characterized in that the above-mentioned monitoring unit is positioned on the upper surface of the above-mentioned extracorporeal circulation unit as a deployable lid. (3) The dialysis apparatus according to (2) above, characterized in that the blood circuit is housed in a cassette positioned above the side of the housing. (4) The dialysis apparatus according to (2) above, characterized in that the blood circuit is housed in a cassette positioned upward from a part of the surface of the extracorporeal circulation unit. (5) The dialysis apparatus according to (3) or (4) above, characterized in that the cassette is provided with an opening that allows the tube holder and chamber for which each tube of the blood circuit is fitted to be visible. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] The dialysis apparatus of the present invention provides the following effects. (1) The monitor unit 3 has been lowered to the same position as the extracorporeal circulation unit 8 of the housing 1, making it easy for technicians to operate and view. In addition, the monitor unit 3 is positioned as a lid on the top surface of the extracorporeal circulation unit 8 and can be deployed as needed during technician work, thereby improving the technician's work efficiency. (2) By lowering the position of the monitor unit 3 to the position of the extracorporeal circulation unit 8 of the housing 1, the upper part of the housing 1 can be effectively utilized as a tray 5. This makes it easier to place waste and auxiliary materials generated when attaching blood circuits and dialyzers. Furthermore, the space created at the top of the housing 1 makes it easier to set up the blood circuits. (3) By assembling the blood circuit into a cassette and placing it on the side or front of the housing, the work of the technician, such as connecting tubes, is reduced, and because most of the blood circuit is housed in the cassette, the feeling of pressure on the patient during dialysis is reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0025] [Figure 1] This is a drawing of a dialysis apparatus according to Example 1. [Figure 2] This is a photograph of the cassette containing the blood circuit used in Example 1. [Figure 3] This is a drawing of a dialysis apparatus according to Embodiment 1, showing the lidded monitor section unfolded. [Figure 4] This is a drawing of a dialysis apparatus according to Example 2. [Figure 5] This is a drawing of a dialysis apparatus according to Embodiment 2, in which the lidded monitor section is unfolded. [Figure 6] This is a photograph showing the monitor unit of the dialysis apparatus according to Example 2 in a state where it has been rotated to the left and is upright. [Figure 7] This is a diagram of a conventional dialysis machine. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] (Key points of the present invention) The main points of this invention are as follows: (1) The monitoring unit of the dialysis machine is lidded on the upper surface of the extracorporeal circulation unit of the dialysis machine and is positioned as a deployable lid. (2) The blood circuit of the dialysis machine is positioned above the side of the dialysis machine or above the surface of the extracorporeal circulation section and is assembled into a cassette. The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Examples 1 and 2.

[0027] (Example 1) Figure 1 is a drawing of a dialysis apparatus according to Example 1. In Figure 1, (a) is a side view of the dialysis machine, and (b) is a front view of the dialysis machine.

[0028] The dialysis apparatus according to Example 1 consists of a housing 1 that occupies most of the apparatus volume, a cassette 7 that protrudes upward from the side of the housing 1, an extracorporeal circulation unit 8 that is inclined and positioned on the top surface of the housing 1, a monitor unit 3 that is covered by a lid on the top surface of the extracorporeal circulation unit 8, a dialyzer 2 that filters blood, and a blood circuit including various tubes housed in the cassette 7.

[0029] The housing 1 consists of a dialysate section and an electrical section, similar to conventional dialysis machines. The lower part of the housing 1 houses the dialysate section, which includes a dialysate preparation unit that generates and delivers dialysate, while the upper part houses the electrical section that controls the dialysis volume and other parameters.

[0030] (cassette) In Example 1, the blood circuit is housed in a cassette 7 that protrudes upward from the side of the housing 1, instead of being suspended from a pole. The blood circuit tubing and chamber 9, which are attached to the pole site, are pre-installed in cassette 7. Cassette 7 is detachable, and multiple cassettes are included with each device. A tube holder is attached to the back of cassette 7, and once the technician inserts each tube of the blood circuit into the tube holder, the procedure for the pole site is completed.

[0031] By pre-installing blood circuits in cassettes 7, enough for the number of patients treated by one device per day, when attaching the blood circuits to the dialysis machine, the pole section is completed simply by placing cassette 7 on the left side of the device. This cassette design shortens pre-treatment preparation time. Furthermore, since it eliminates the need to attach the device to a high pole, it reduces the vertical movement that was previously burdensome for the technician during attachment. For the patient, the complex blood circuit, which was previously within their field of vision, is now contained within the cassette, reducing discomfort.

[0032] Because the cassettes can be replaced in a short time, it reduces the feeling of pressure on the patient when attaching and detaching the blood circuit while the patient is lying down beside them. By making the pole portion a cassette, the labor involved in preparing for treatment has been reduced. To confirm normal blood flow, a chamber 9 is connected to the blood circuit and can be monitored through an opening 10 formed in the cassette 7.

[0033] Figure 2 is a photograph of the cassette containing the blood circuit used in Example 1. (a) is a photograph of the front of the cassette, and (b) is a photograph of the back of the cassette. (a) In the figure, the opening 10 of the cassette is formed, and the chamber 9 can be seen through it. Also, in the figure, the blood circuit fixed to the tube holder can be seen. This cassette is detachable, and multiple cassettes are provided for each dialysis machine. The back of the cassette has a tube holder, and when the technician inserts each tube of the blood circuit into the tube holder with their fingers, the procedure for the pole section is completed.

[0034] (Monitoring section) The monitor unit 3 includes a monitor body 4 having a display unit and an operation unit. In Example 1, the device is positioned to facilitate operation in parallel with the technician's series of procedures, and as can be seen in Figures 1 and 3, it is positioned as a lid on the upper surface of the inclined extracorporeal circulation unit 8, which is located above the housing 1. In other words, the monitoring unit 3 also functions as a lid for the extracorporeal circulation unit 8.

[0035] Furthermore, one end of the monitor unit 3 is attached to the housing 1 via a hinge or a flexible member, and it is extendable. In Example 1, the monitor unit 3 can be unfolded around the attached portion as an axis. Therefore, the technician can open the monitor unit 3 to the right as needed to proceed with the work. This improves the work efficiency when attaching blood circuits.

[0036] In Figure 1, 5 is a tray on which blood circuit accessories, blood collection bottles, etc., can be temporarily placed. Because the monitor unit 3 has moved to the top surface of the extracorporeal circulation unit 8, the space at the top of the housing 1 can now be used more extensively.

[0037] Dialyzer 2 is positioned between the pole portion and the extracorporeal circulation portion 8, connected by the shortest possible tube. This is because a shorter tube reduces the amount of blood withdrawn outside the patient. Furthermore, dialyzer 2 can be attached independently and rotated up and down.

[0038] The extracorporeal circulation unit 8 is positioned at an angle above the housing 1 for ease of operation. The back of the monitor unit also serves as a cover for the blood pump, fluid replacement pump, and air bubble detector located in the extracorporeal circulation unit. Note that the basic configuration of the dialysis apparatus in Example 1 is the same as the basic configuration of the conventional dialysis apparatus shown in Figure 7. Therefore, only the differences will be explained, and explanations of items that overlap with the conventional dialysis apparatus will be omitted.

[0039] Figure 3 is a diagram of the dialysis apparatus according to Embodiment 1, with the lidded monitor section unfolded. This shows the dialysis apparatus shown in Figure 1 with the lidded monitor section 3 opened to the right. In Figure 3, (a) is a side view of the dialysis machine, and (b) is a front view of the dialysis machine. From (b), the extracorporeal circulation unit 8 to which the blood circuit is connected can be seen.

[0040] (Example 2) Figure 4 is a drawing of a dialysis apparatus according to Example 2. In Figure 4, (a) is a side view of the dialysis machine, and (b) is a front view of the dialysis machine.

[0041] The dialysis apparatus according to Example 2 consists of a housing 1 that occupies most of the apparatus volume, a cassette 7 that protrudes upward from a part of the extracorporeal circulation unit 8, an extracorporeal circulation unit 8 that is inclined and positioned on the upper surface of the housing 1, a monitor unit 3 that is covered by a lid on the upper surface of the extracorporeal circulation unit 8, a dialyzer 2 that filters blood, and a blood circuit including various tubes housed in the cassette 7. Since Example 2 has the same basic configuration as Example 1, only the differences will be explained below.

[0042] (cassette) In Example 2, the blood circuit is housed in a cassette 7 that protrudes upward from a part of the extracorporeal circulation section of the housing 1. In Example 1, the cassette had to be attached to the side of the dialysis machine, but in Example 2, it was attached to the front of the dialysis machine, allowing the technician to attach the blood circuit in a natural posture.

[0043] When Cassette 7 is installed, the tubing is automatically positioned to accommodate the bubble detector, blood pump, and infusion pump. After installing the cassette, simply attach the tubing with your fingers and close the lid to complete the blood circuit setup. Furthermore, while there were problems with the visibility of the chamber in Example 1, visibility was significantly improved in Example 2 by positioning the cassette 7 at the front of the device. By making the pole portion and part of the extracorporeal circulation portion into a cassette, the labor required for treatment preparation can be reduced.

[0044] (Monitoring section) In Example 2, similar to Example 1, the monitor unit 3 is covered by a lid on the upper surface of the extracorporeal circulation unit 8, as can be seen in Figures 4 and 5. Furthermore, similar to Embodiment 1, the monitor unit 3 is attached to the housing 1 at one end via a hinge or a flexible member, and is expandable. The monitor unit 3 can be opened to the right, allowing the technician to proceed with their work, thereby improving the efficiency of blood circuit insertion.

[0045] Figure 5 is a drawing of a dialysis apparatus according to Embodiment 2 with the lidded monitor section unfolded, where (a) is a side view of the dialysis apparatus and (b) is a front view of the dialysis apparatus. (b) The figure shows the extracorporeal circulation unit 8 to which the blood circuit is connected, and a cassette 7 protruding upward from a part of the extracorporeal circulation unit 8.

[0046] As can be seen from Figures 1(b) and 3(b) or 4(b) and 5(b), the monitor unit 4 is normally used in a state where it is housed in the monitor unit. Furthermore, in Examples 1 and 2, the monitor body 4 and the monitor unit 3 are connected by a two-axis hinge. Therefore, when the monitor body 4 is pulled out from the monitor unit 3, the monitor body 4 can be rotated and upright as needed.

[0047] In other words, the monitor unit 4, excluding the main switch, rotates to the left and stands upright towards the patient, moving within the patient's reach, allowing the patient to check the displayed information during treatment and even perform some operations themselves. Figure 6 is a photograph showing the monitor unit 3 of the dialysis apparatus of Example 2 in a state where it is rotated to the left and upright.

[0048] (Technical scope of the present invention) In this specification, the dialysis apparatus according to the present invention has been described with reference to Examples 1 and 2, but the shape and structure of the dialysis apparatus according to the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0049] In other words, it goes without saying that, as long as the present invention does not deviate from the scope of the claims, appropriate design modifications can be made when manufacturing a dialysis machine. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 1 cabinet 2 Dialyzer 3. Monitor section 4. Monitor unit 5 trays 6 poles 7 Cassettes 8 Extracorporeal Circulation Department 9 Chambers 10 aperture

Claims

1. A dialysis apparatus comprising a housing consisting of an electrical unit and a dialysate unit, a blood circuit connected to the patient through which blood and dialysate flow, an extracorporeal circulation unit located on the front of the housing and connected to the blood circuit, a dialyzer located on the side of the housing, and a monitoring unit for operating each function and understanding the treatment status, The dialysis apparatus is characterized in that the monitoring unit is covered by a lid on the upper surface of the extracorporeal circulation unit.

2. A dialysis apparatus comprising a housing consisting of an electrical unit and a dialysate unit, a blood circuit connected to the patient through which blood and dialysate flow, an extracorporeal circulation unit located on the front of the housing and connected to the blood circuit, a dialyzer located on the side of the housing, and a monitoring unit for operating each function and understanding the treatment status, The dialysis apparatus is characterized in that the monitoring unit is positioned on the upper surface of the extracorporeal circulation unit as a deployable lid.

3. The dialysis apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the blood circuit is housed in a cassette positioned above the side of the housing.

4. The dialysis apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the blood circuit is housed in a cassette positioned upward from a part of the surface of the extracorporeal circulation unit.

5. The dialysis apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the cassette is provided with an opening that allows the tube holder and chamber for which each tube of the blood circuit is fitted to be visible.

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