Pump Balancing for Apheresis Blood Processing Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
In apheresis systems, the variation in tubing circuits and interconnections between the tubing circuit and separation device leads to inconsistencies in pump action, affecting the efficiency and accuracy of blood component separation, as the relative action of peristaltic pumps is not consistently tested with each donation.
Innovation Solution
A pump-balancing process is implemented using a control system that balances selected pumps to fill and empty a reservoir, determining ratios of displaced volume per pump revolution, which can be used to optimize the blood separation process by adjusting the operating protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If peristaltic pumps are used to extract and return blood components during apheresis, then blood separation and collection can be performed, but variability in tubing circuits and interconnections leads to inaccuracies in pump performance and fluid proportions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a pump balancing test during the priming phase before actual blood processing. The control system activates pumps to fill and empty a reservoir, measuring displaced volumes to determine pump ratios. This preliminary calibration establishes accurate pump performance data specific to each tubing circuit configuration, eliminating the need for overcompensation and ensuring precise fluid proportions throughout the apheresis procedure.
2Productivity
If pump ratios are not accurately determined, then the system can operate without additional testing, but the efficiency and accuracy of blood component separation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pump balancing test is executed during the priming phase before clinical use, establishing accurate pump ratios that optimize both efficiency and accuracy during the actual donation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system measures the actual displaced volume of each pump during the balancing test and uses this feedback data to calculate precise pump ratios. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust pump operations based on measured performance, ensuring accurate blood component separation and collection throughout the procedure.
3Reliability
If a new tubing circuit is installed for each donation, then sterility and safety are maintained, but pump performance variability increases due to differences in interconnections
Solution Approach 1:
The pump balancing test is performed during priming with each new tubing circuit installation, calibrating pump performance specific to that circuit's characteristics before blood processing begins. This ensures that each unique tubing configuration is optimized for accurate pump operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs the pump balancing test and calculates pump ratios without requiring manual intervention or replacement of tubing circuits. Each new tubing circuit self-calibrates through the automated test sequence, maintaining sterility while adapting to its specific characteristics.
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 process enhances the efficiency and accuracy of blood component separation by determining and adjusting pump ratios, improving the overall effectiveness of the donation process and reducing the need for excessive anti-coagulant delivery.
Implementation Method 1
A pump-balancing process, implemented by the control system, causes selected pumps to fill and empty a reservoir in the tubing circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An extracorporeal blood processing system having a centrifugal rotor, a control system, a plurality of peristaltic pumps, and a removable tubing circuit wherein blood components can be processed. A pump-balancing process, implemented by the control system, causes selected pumps to fill and empty a reservoir in the tubing circuit. Ratios of displaced volume per pump revolution or other pumping action can be used by the control system to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the donation process. The pump-balancing process may be performed during priming or set-up of the blood processing system or during an actual donation.