Blood Treatment Control Unit for Dynamic Ultrafiltration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current extracorporeal blood treatment systems face challenges in efficiently controlling multiple prescription parameters such as total weight loss, blood volume change, and blood conductivity/concentration, often leading to uncomfortable treatment experiences for patients and potential conflicts among control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a control unit that monitors and adjusts the ultrafiltration rate and dialysis liquid composition based on real-time measurements of blood volume, ultrafiltration volume, and blood conductivity/concentration, ensuring precise control and patient comfort by integrating feedback mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If volumetric control with predetermined flow rates is used, then the control mechanism is simple, but multiple prescription parameters cannot be effectively controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors blood volume variation, ultrafiltration volume, and blood conductivity/concentration, using this feedback to dynamically adjust ultrafiltration rate and dialysis liquid composition. This closed-loop feedback system enables effective control of multiple prescription parameters while maintaining system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static predetermined flow rates to dynamic adjustment of ultrafiltration rate and dialysis liquid composition based on real-time measured parameters. The control unit continuously adapts operating parameters to maintain blood volume, conductivity, and ultrafiltration volume within target ranges.
2Productivity
If TMP is set to maximise ultrafiltration flow rate, then convective exchange and blood purification are improved, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts TMP and ultrafiltration rate based on real-time blood volume measurements. When blood volume approaches lower limits, the system reduces ultrafiltration rate and TMP to maintain patient comfort. When blood volume is adequate, higher ultrafiltration rates can be applied to maximize purification efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously adapts ultrafiltration parameters based on blood volume status, creating a dynamic balance between purification efficiency and patient comfort. The system transitions from static high TMP to dynamic adjustment that responds to patient physiological status.
3Productivity
If multiple parameters are controlled simultaneously, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but control conflicts arise
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit uses feedback from blood volume, ultrafiltration volume, and conductivity sensors to prioritize and coordinate control actions. When parameters conflict, the system adjusts ultrafiltration rate and dialysis liquid composition in a coordinated manner to resolve conflicts while maintaining overall treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: monitoring blood volume, tracking ultrafiltration volume, measuring conductivity, adjusting ultrafiltration rate, and modifying dialysis liquid composition. This multi-functional control system coordinates all parameters to achieve effective simultaneous control without conflicts.
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 effectively manages multiple parameters to provide a comfortable and efficient blood treatment by continuously adjusting ultrafiltration rates and dialysis liquid composition, minimizing conflicts among control mechanisms and enhancing treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one treatment unit (2) having a semipermeable membrane (5) which separates the treatment unit into two chambers (3, 4)
Implementation Method 2
an ultrafiltration device (20) connected to the dialysate circuit and configured for causing an ultrafiltration of fluid through the membrane from the first to the second chamber
Implementation Method 3
This type of apparatus for blood treatment may be used for removal of excess solutes and fluids from the blood of patients suffering from kidney failure
Data Source
AI summary
It is disclosed an apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment (1) having a control unit (15) connected to an ultrafiltration device (20) and to a fluid preparation section (30) of fresh dialysis liquid. The control unit (15) is configured to receive measured values of the change of blood volume, the amount of ultrafiltration volume, and conductivity or to the concentration for at least one substance in the blood (BV %mes(t); UFmes(t), WLmes(t); Cbmes(t)); the control unit (15) is also configured to receive prescription values for the same parameters and to control ultrafiltration and adjust conductivity in the fresh dialysis liquid based on the difference between said measured values and said prescription values.