Automatic Venting for Extracorporeal Blood Treatment Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heart-lung machines require manual and labor-intensive venting processes, which are error-prone and time-consuming, posing risks of air embolisms and increasing costs, especially in emergency situations, and are not suitable for rapid deployment without operator intervention.
Innovation Solution
A fully automatic venting method for heart-lung machines that allows for safe preparation without operator intervention, enabling filling and venting during transport and emergency situations, using a control unit with controllable valves and sensors to manage the filling and venting process, ensuring air escape from difficult components like blood pumps and arterial filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual venting procedures are used, then the system can be prepared for use, but the process is labor-intensive and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs venting automatically using integrated sensors and control mechanisms. The venting process is self-regulating through feedback from air bubble detectors and pressure sensors, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention while maintaining high reliability in air removal.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical venting operations are replaced by an automated control system that uses electronic sensors, motors, and control algorithms to perform the venting function. The system substitutes human manual manipulation with automated mechanical and electronic control mechanisms.
2Productivity
If manual venting procedures are used, then the system can be prepared, but the preparation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The venting process operates continuously without interruption. The automated system maintains continuous monitoring and active venting throughout the preparation phase, eliminating the start-stop nature of manual operations and reducing total preparation time through uninterrupted air removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary venting actions automatically as part of the initialization sequence. Air removal begins immediately when the system is activated, and preliminary venting of critical components is executed before full operation commences, reducing overall preparation time.
3Reliability
If manual venting is performed, then air pockets can be detected visually, but the risk of overlooked air pockets remains
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through air bubble detectors, pressure sensors, and flow monitors that continuously report the venting status to the control system. This closed-loop feedback ensures reliable detection of air pockets and automatic adjustment of venting operations to eliminate detected air.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses flexible tubing and membrane structures that allow for expansion and contraction during venting operations. These flexible components facilitate the movement and detection of air bubbles through pressure changes and visual indicators integrated into the flexible pathways.
4Ease of operation
If the system is rotated to filling position, then venting can be performed, but additional mechanical components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The venting function is segmented from the mechanical rotation requirement. The system divides the venting process into independent operational phases that can be performed in the standard operating position, eliminating the need for a separate filling position and associated rotary mounting mechanisms.
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
The automatic venting process reduces the risk of air embolisms, shortens preparation time, and allows for safe and rapid deployment of the heart-lung machine, enhancing its usability in emergency situations and reducing operational costs by eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a filling liquid flows by gravity from a filling liquid container which is disposed higher than the patient module
Implementation Method 2
an arterial filter (5) having a filter element (52) which allows for air to escape from an arterial side (54) to a venous side (53) during a venting process
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A method for filling and venting an extracorporeal blood treatment device, such as a patient module (1, 1a) in a heart-lung machine, without a patient connected to it, is described. A filling fluid flows by gravity from a filling fluid container (45) located higher than the device, via a venous side of the system, into a reservoir (2) and then into a blood pump (6) located at the lower end of the reservoir (2). A first controllable valve (21) for a vent line of a filter (5) is open and closes after a level sensor (10) at the top of the reservoir (2) is triggered.