Centrifugal Blood Separator Replacement Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blood collection and apheresis systems face challenges in providing a safe and accurate means for controlled replacement fluid administration during blood component separation, particularly without a dedicated peristaltic pump to manage the flow of replacement fluid.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal blood separator system with a disposable blood processing set that includes a blood separation chamber, anti-coagulant line, reservoir, and replacement fluid line, where the flow of replacement fluid is controlled without a dedicated peristaltic pump, using a method that measures fluid flows and alternates cycles to determine the quantity of replacement fluid delivered to the donor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated peristaltic pump is used to control replacement fluid flow, then the precision of fluid volume control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the return pump to perform dual functions: returning blood components to the donor and simultaneously delivering replacement fluid to the reservoir. This eliminates the need for a dedicated peristaltic pump for replacement fluid, reducing device complexity while maintaining controlled fluid delivery through the pump's reversible operation and flow measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the return pump's inherent flow measurement and control capabilities to also manage replacement fluid delivery. By utilizing the existing pump's metrics and control mechanisms for a secondary function, the system avoids adding dedicated measurement and control hardware, thereby reducing complexity while preserving precision
2Reliability
If replacement fluid is added during blood component separation, then the fluid balance in the donor is maintained, but the risk of fluid overload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control by continuously monitoring the volume of blood components removed from the donor and using this information to determine the precise amount of replacement fluid to add. The controller compares the measured component volume against target values and adjusts replacement fluid delivery accordingly, ensuring fluid balance is maintained without exceeding safe limits that could cause fluid overload
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by delivering replacement fluid in controlled, incremental amounts based on the actual volume of blood components removed, rather than administering a fixed or excessive volume. This ensures that replacement fluid is added only to the extent necessary to maintain fluid balance, preventing fluid overload while reliably replacing lost volume
3Productivity
If multiple blood components are separated and managed simultaneously, then the productivity of blood collection is improved, but the difficulty of flow measurement and control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the blood component separation process into distinct, measurable segments: plasma flow, red blood cell flow, white blood cell flow, and replacement fluid flow. Each component is measured and controlled independently through dedicated sensors and control algorithms, allowing simultaneous management of multiple components while maintaining measurement accuracy and simplifying control through modular measurement approaches
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
Ensures accurate and safe administration of replacement fluid to maintain fluid balance in the donor, enhancing the efficiency and safety of blood component separation processes.
Implementation Method 1
Rotation of the blood processing vessel creates a centrifugal force directed along rotating axes of separation oriented perpendicular to the central rotation axis of the centrifuge. The centrifugal force generated upon rotation separates particles suspended in the blood sample into discrete fractions having different densities.
Implementation Method 2
a blood sample separates into discrete phases corresponding to a higher density fraction comprising red blood cells and a lower density fraction comprising plasma. In addition, an intermediate density fraction comprising platelets and leukocytes forms an interface layer between the red blood cells and the plasma.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided in a centrifugal blood processing system for adding replacement fluid without a dedicated peristaltic pump to blood components being returned to the donor. A disposable blood processing set for use in the method comprises a hermetically sealed set of blood bags, connecting tubes, needles or connectors, and supporting structures with a replacement fluid line coupled directly to a return reservoir without contact with an intervening pump.