Balanced Flow Dialysis Machine with Sorbent Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home hemodialysis has declined due to the complexity and requirement of dedicated water treatment equipment, making it cumbersome for patients to set up and maintain, and existing systems are limited by the need for multiple solution bags, which restricts the practical amount of dialysate per treatment.
Innovation Solution
A dialysis cassette system with integrated pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and air bubble detectors that allows for equalization of fluid pressures and automatic priming, using a sorbent-based regeneration system to generate ultrapure dialysate, eliminating the need for multiple bags and simplifying setup, and enabling increased dialysate volume for enhanced waste clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated water treatment equipment is installed for home hemodialysis, then dialysis treatment can be performed at home, but the system complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome setup and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: a reusable dialysis machine and disposable cassettes that contain pre-filled dialysate and integrated filters. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex water treatment equipment while maintaining home dialysis capability, as each cassette is a self-contained unit requiring no installation or maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable cassettes that are pre-filled with dialysate and contain integrated filters. These single-use components eliminate the need for complex, maintainable water treatment systems. The cassette is discarded after one use, removing all setup and maintenance burdens associated with reusable water treatment equipment.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple solution bags are used for dialysis treatment, then sufficient dialysate volume can be provided, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple bags and connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated cassette: dialysate storage, filtration, and fluid management are all contained within one unit. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate solution bags and their associated connections, reducing device complexity while maintaining sufficient dialysate volume for complete dialysis treatments.
3Productivity
If conventional hemodialysis is performed with limited dialysate volume, then treatment can be completed, but the productivity decreases due to insufficient waste clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable cassette system enables continuous dialysis treatments without interruption for bag changes or refilling. The integrated design maintains consistent dialysate flow and pressure throughout the treatment, ensuring continuous effective waste clearance. This continuity maximizes productivity by eliminating treatment interruptions and maintaining optimal clearance efficiency throughout the entire session.
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 system provides flexible and efficient dialysis treatments by simplifying setup, increasing dialysate volume for improved waste clearance, and allowing patients to perform treatments at home without the need for dedicated water hookups, enhancing the convenience and effectiveness of renal therapy.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one balancing system configured to equalize the flow of the renal failure therapy fluid to and from a dialyzer or a patient
Implementation Method 2
at least one pressure sensor for sensing a pressure of the renal failure therapy fluid and conveying a signal representative of the pressure
Implementation Method 3
Hemodialysis uses diffusion to remove waste products from a patient's blood. A diffusive gradient that occurs across the semi-permeable dialyzer between the blood and an electrolyte solution called dialysate causes diffusion
Implementation Method 4
This therapy is accomplished by adding substitution or replacement fluid to the extracorporeal circuit during treatment... That substitution fluid and the fluid accumulated by the patient in between treatments is ultrafiltered over the course of the HF treatment
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for balancing flows of renal replacement fluid is disclosed. The method uses pressure controls and pressure sensing devices to more precisely meter and balance the flow of fresh dialysate and spent dialysate. The balancing system may use one or two balancing devices, such as a balance tube, a tortuous path, or a balance chamber.