Buffy Coat Concentrator with Density Float for Platelet Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating blood components, such as autotransfusion equipment for platelet concentrates, require skilled operators and are time-consuming and costly, with existing devices needing large volumes of blood and being complex to operate.
Innovation Solution
A buffy coat concentrator apparatus with a tuned density float and plunger system that allows for easy separation and concentration of platelets and white blood cells, minimizing platelet damage and enabling user-controlled buffy coat concentration through adjustable plasma withdrawal, using a tube design with multiple ports and a sterile vent for efficient centrifugation and resuspension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If autotransfusion equipment is used for platelet concentrates, then platelet separation is achieved, but operator skill requirements increase and operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation device enables self-service operation through automated centrifugal separation. The system automatically separates platelets from whole blood using centrifugal force without requiring skilled operators to manually control the separation process, thereby reducing operator skill requirements while maintaining separation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical separation systems with a simplified centrifugal separation mechanism. By using centrifugal force generated during rotation, the system automatically separates blood components based on density differences, eliminating the need for complex mechanical operations and reducing skill requirements.
2Reliability
If autotransfusion equipment is used for platelet concentrates, then platelet separation is achieved, but operation time increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centrifugal separation process rapidly separates platelets from whole blood in a single spinning cycle, skipping the time-consuming manual separation steps. The quick centrifugal separation reduces operation time while maintaining effective platelet concentration.
3Quantity of substance
If large volumes of blood are used for separation, then sufficient platelet concentrate is obtained, but blood loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts and concentrates platelets from a relatively small volume of whole blood through centrifugal separation. By taking out and concentrating only the platelet-rich portion, the system obtains sufficient platelet concentrate while minimizing the volume of whole blood that needs to be processed and reducing overall blood loss.
4Reliability
If complex separation devices are used, then separation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, disposable separation device that can be discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for complex, expensive, reusable equipment with multiple components. The disposable nature reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining effective separation through straightforward centrifugal action.
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 apparatus provides rapid and cost-effective fractionation of blood components, comparable to gravitational platelet separation designs, with reduced operator skill requirements and lower manufacturing costs, while minimizing platelet damage and facilitating easy resuspension for higher concentration yields.
Implementation Method 1
applying a centrifugal force to the volume of blood contained within the tube such that the blood forms at least a first fractional layer and a second fractional layer and the float positions itself between the first and second fractional layers
Implementation Method 2
the float has a pre-selected density and defining a concave interface surface
Implementation Method 3
A plunger may be slidably positioned within the tube
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for concentrating platelet-rich plasma is described herein. One variation may generally comprise a tube having a length and defining a channel within and one or more ports located at a proximal end of the tube and in fluid communication with the channel. A plunger may slidably translatable within the channel while forming a seal against an inner surface of the channel and a float may have a pre-selected density and defining a concave interface surface, wherein the float is slidably contained within the channel such that the concave interface surface is in apposition to the one or more ports.