Blood Filter Fluid Removal via Dialysate Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The disposal of blood filters and extracorporeal blood circuits after use is costly and poses a contamination risk due to residual fluid, particularly blood, which requires efficient removal to minimize waste weight and contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for removing fluid from blood filters and extracorporeal blood circuits by introducing a substituate or dialysis fluid into the arterial blood line, utilizing a blood pump and buffer tank to displace and remove fluid, ensuring complete or partial removal of blood from the system, thereby reducing contamination and waste weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blood filters and extracorporeal blood circuits are disposed of after use, then the treatment process is completed, but the disposal becomes cost-intensive and poses contamination risk due to residual fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of discarding and recovering by removing residual blood and fluid from the blood filter and extracorporeal blood circuit after treatment completion. The system automatically pumps remaining blood back to the patient and removes residual fluid, thereby recovering valuable blood and reducing contamination risk while minimizing waste weight for disposal
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically performing the fluid removal and blood recovery process without requiring manual intervention. The control unit automatically activates the pump to circulate fluid through the blood filter, removing residual blood and fluid, and returning it to the patient or disposing of it safely, making the system self-sufficient in its own cleanup process
2Ease of operation
If manual emptying of blood filters is performed, then fluid removal is achieved, but user interaction is required which consumes time and may introduce contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically performing the fluid removal and blood recovery process without requiring manual intervention. The control unit automatically activates the pump to circulate fluid through the blood filter, removing residual blood and fluid, and returning it to the patient or disposing of it safely, making the system self-sufficient in its own cleanup process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical emptying operations with an automated pump system controlled by a control unit. The pump mechanically circulates fluid through the blood filter and circuit, substituting manual emptying actions with an automated mechanical system that reduces user interaction and associated contamination risks
3Productivity
If high flow rates are used to remove fluid quickly, then productivity is improved, but the risk of air embolism or foaming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using sensors to detect air bubbles, foaming, or abnormal flow conditions during the fluid removal process. The control unit continuously monitors these parameters and automatically adjusts the pump flow rate in response, reducing flow when air or foam is detected and increasing it when conditions are safe, thereby maintaining high productivity while preventing harmful effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pump flow rate adjustable and variable during operation. The system dynamically changes the flow rate based on treatment phase, circuit configuration, and real-time sensor feedback, transitioning from high flow rates during safe phases to lower or zero flow rates when air embolism risk is present, optimizing both productivity and safety
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 method effectively reduces the contamination risk and waste weight by completely or partially removing blood from the blood filter and extracorporeal blood circuit, allowing for safe disposal and minimizing the need for user interaction, thus saving time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
displacing the fluid from the blood chamber by introducing substituate or a dialysis fluid into the arterial blood line
Implementation Method 2
introducing substituate or a dialysis fluid into the arterial blood line, preferably upstream of the blood chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for removing a first fluid from a blood filter for the blood treatment of a patient and/or for removing blood from the blood filter after completing the blood treatment session. It further relates to a medical treatment apparatus having a control device with which a method for removing a first fluid from a blood filter is executable, a digital storage medium, and a computer program product.