Apheresis Centrifuge Loop Guidance for Continuous Blood Return
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Apheresis processes for blood component collection are lengthy and uncomfortable for donors due to the need for prolonged connection to the machine, necessitating a more efficient and donor-friendly method.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that allows for the continuous separation of desired blood components while simultaneously returning unwanted components to the donor without stopping the centrifuge, utilizing a centrifuge assembly with a loop rotational position guide and bearing system to maintain fluid line engagement during rotation, and a method that includes a return pump to move unwanted components back into the donor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional apheresis method is used with continuous centrifugation and component return, then blood component collection efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to loop positioning and bearing system requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The loop rotational position guide pre-positions the fluid line loop at the correct angular orientation before centrifugation begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that the loop engages properly with the bearing system, allowing continuous operation without stopping to restart the centrifuge, thereby improving collection efficiency while managing device complexity through automated positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing system acts as an intermediary between the rotating centrifuge and the flexible fluid line loop. The bearings support the loop's weight and maintain its position relative to the rotating filler, enabling continuous centrifugation without disrupting the fluid pathway. This intermediary mechanism resolves the conflict between maintaining continuous rotation and managing the complexity of flexible loop positioning
2Ease of operation
If centrifuge is stopped and restarted to reposition fluid lines, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time increases due to interruption of collection process
Solution Approach 1:
The loop rotational position guide maintains the fluid line loop in the correct angular position throughout continuous centrifugation, eliminating the need to stop and restart the centrifuge. This continuous operation preserves the collection process without time loss, while the automated positioning system manages the operational complexity of maintaining proper loop orientation throughout the procedure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces donation time by potentially 30% or more, enhancing donor comfort and increasing donation center productivity and donor return rates by allowing faster and more efficient blood component collection.
Implementation Method 1
The first is whole blood donation from a donor, followed by a centrifugal process that separates blood components from the whole blood based on the density of the blood component
Data Source
AI summary
Described are embodiments that include methods and devices for separating components from multi-component fluids. Embodiments may involve use of separation vessels and movement of components into and out of separation vessels through ports. Embodiments may involve the separation of plasma from whole blood. Also described are embodiments that include methods and devices for positioning portions, e.g., loops, of disposables in medical devices. Embodiments may involve use of surfaces for automatically guiding loops to position them into a predetermined position.