Automated PD Effluent Sampling With Optical Glucose Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for assessing peritoneal membrane function in peritoneal dialysis (PD) are labor-intensive, leading to infrequent evaluations and inefficient therapy adjustments, which can result in extended treatment times and potential functional failure.
Innovation Solution
A PD effluent sampling system that includes a coiled tubing line or expandable container connected to a patient catheter, equipped with sensors to measure glucose concentration and other properties of PD effluent, allowing for frequent and less labor-intensive membrane function assessments during the dwell phase of PD treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional PET methods are used to assess membrane function, then accurate transport characteristics information is obtained, but the assessment process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling and laboratory analysis with an automated optical sensing system. A fiber optic probe with wavelength-modulated laser measures glucose concentration in PD effluent non-invasively, eliminating the need for manual fluid handling, centrifugation, and lab-based biochemical assays that characterize conventional PET methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-monitoring by patients at home without requiring nurse assistance. The automated sensor device allows patients to independently assess their own membrane function by measuring glucose concentration in dialysate during dwell phases, transforming a previously clinic-dependent process into a patient-empowered self-service capability.
2Reliability
If conventional PET methods are used, then membrane transport status is evaluated, but the frequency of assessments is reduced due to time and resource requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous monitoring of membrane function by allowing multiple glucose concentration measurements throughout the dwell phase. Rather than single-point assessments, the system can track glucose depletion over time, providing ongoing information about transport characteristics and enabling more frequent, sustained evaluation of peritoneal membrane status.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs repeated glucose measurements at periodic intervals during the dwell phase. By sampling at multiple time points (e.g., 0, 2, 4, 6 hours), the system captures the dynamic glucose depletion curve, allowing assessment of membrane transport rates without requiring the full four-hour commitment of traditional PET protocols.
3Productivity
If frequent membrane assessments are performed, then therapy can be timely adjusted, but the labor and resource burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and biochemical analysis systems with a simplified optical measurement device. The fiber optic sensor with wavelength-modulated laser provides direct glucose concentration readings without requiring centrifugation, filtration, or laboratory instrumentation, dramatically reducing the complexity barrier to frequent assessments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs disposable fiber optic probes that can be used for multiple measurements and then discarded. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex calibration and maintenance of reusable sensors, making frequent assessments economically viable and logistically simple for home use.
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
Enables frequent, efficient, and cost-effective membrane function assessments, facilitating timely adjustments to PD prescriptions and reducing the risk of therapy inefficiency and functional failure.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor device configured to measure a glucose concentration of PD effluent flowing to and/or from the coiled tubing line through the patient catheter
Implementation Method 2
the membranous lining of the patient's peritoneum acts as a natural semi-permeable membrane that allows the passage of water and solutes. At the start of a PD cycle, dialysis fluid is instilled in the peritoneal cavity, establishing an osmotic gradient between the dialysis fluid and the surrounding body tissues.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides methods and systems for peritoneal dialysis (PD) effluent sampling and measurement, which are compatible with all types of PD treatment, and would enable more frequent assessment so a patient's PD prescription can be updated routinely. The methods include withdrawing a plurality of samples of PD effluent from the patient's peritoneal cavity periodically during the dwell phase of a PD treatment cycle. The method further includes obtaining sensor measurements of the samples of PD effluent. The method may return each PD effluent sample to the patient's peritoneal cavity after the measurement. Alternatively, the PD effluent samples may be stored in a container without returning them to the patient's peritoneal cavity.