Blood Perfusion Device with Semipermeable Membrane for Neonatal Organ Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Premature birth disrupts the metabolic support provided by the placenta, leading to severe and life-threatening situations due to the interruption of organ support functions, particularly in cases of acute hepatic failure, where liver transplantation is not feasible for newborns.
Innovation Solution
A blood perfusion device with a perfusion chamber comprising compartments separated by a semipermeable membrane allows for temporary extracorporeal blood perfusion, enabling mass exchange between two blood circuits, effectively acting as an artificial placenta to support the newborn's organ functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liver transplantation is performed on premature infants, then long-term survival rates improve, but the procedure is not feasible due to the small size and developmental stage of the infant's body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an artificial placenta as an intermediary device between the premature infant and the external environment. This device provides temporary organ support functions (liver, kidney, lung) through a controlled interface, allowing the infant to survive and grow until transplantation or full organ development becomes feasible. The artificial placenta acts as a bridge that mediates the transition from dependent to independent organ function.
Solution Approach 2:
The artificial placenta replicates the functions of the natural placenta and maternal organ systems. By creating an artificial copy of the placental interface with integrated organ support capabilities, the device provides the necessary metabolic and detoxification functions that a premature infant's underdeveloped organs cannot yet perform independently.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the newborn's organs are used immediately after birth, then organ support is provided, but the organs are not yet fully developed leading to severe and life-threatening situations
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial placenta is activated immediately at birth to provide preliminary organ support functions before the infant's own organs are ready. The device performs detoxification, metabolism, and other vital functions in advance of when the infant's organs would be capable of doing so independently, preventing life-threatening conditions during this critical transition period.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides a cushioning effect by absorbing and managing metabolic waste and toxins that the immature organs cannot handle. This beforehand cushioning protects the infant from the harmful effects of organ immaturity, allowing safe passage through the vulnerable neonatal period.
3Reliability
If an artificial placenta is used to provide temporary organ support, then organ function is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial placenta is divided into separate functional compartments or modules, each handling specific organ support functions (liver metabolism, kidney filtration, lung gas exchange). This segmentation allows for independent optimization of each function, simplified maintenance and operation, and modular assembly that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive organ support.
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 device provides a temporary solution to continue organ support from a healthy donor, facilitating plasma exchange and organ function support, potentially reducing mortality rates in premature infants with acute hepatic failure by mimicking the placental interface.
Implementation Method 1
compartment A is separated from compartment B by at least one membrane, said membrane being configured to prevent cells from crossing the membrane
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to various methods of treatment using a novel blood perfusion device. The blood perfusion device comprises a perfusion chamber comprising at least one compartment A and at least one compartment B, compartment A comprising a first opening which is in direct fluid communication to a second opening, wherein the first opening of compartment A is in direct fluid communication to a first port of the perfusion chamber and the second opening of compartment A is in direct fluid communication to a second port of the perfusion chamber; and compartment B comprising a first opening which is in direct fluid communication to a second opening, wherein the first opening of compartment B is in direct fluid communication to a third port of the perfusion chamber and the second opening of compartment B is in direct fluid communication to a fourth port of the perfusion chamber, wherein compartment A is separated from compartment B by at least one membrane, said membrane being configured to prevent cells from crossing the membrane.