Apheresis Fluid Control With Continuous Centrifuge Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
The apheresis process for blood component collection is lengthy and uncomfortable for donors due to the need to remain connected to the machine for an hour, necessitating a more efficient method to separate and return unwanted blood components.
Innovation Solution
A centrifuge assembly with a fluid line loop and bearing set that allows for continuous rotation and positioning of a fluid line loop, enabling the separation of desired blood components while simultaneously returning unwanted components to the donor without stopping the centrifuge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the apheresis process separates and returns unwanted blood components, then blood component collection efficiency is improved, but donation time increases making the process lengthy and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous operation of the centrifuge throughout the entire apheresis process. The centrifuge separates blood components and returns unwanted components to the donor without stopping or restarting, maintaining continuous useful action. This eliminates idle time between separation and return operations, resolving the contradiction between collection efficiency and donation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-positions the fluid line loop and bearing set configuration before the apheresis process begins. The loop is预先 arranged to allow seamless continuous operation, and the bearing set is pre-configured to maintain proper loop positioning throughout the process, enabling the centrifuge to operate continuously without interruption.
2Device complexity
If the centrifuge stops and restarts to return unwanted blood components, then fluid control is simplified, but donation time increases and donor comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic fluid control through valves that can switch flow directions without stopping the centrifuge. The system dynamically adjusts fluid flow paths to separate components and return them to the donor in a single continuous operation, eliminating the need for centrifuge stoppage while maintaining manageable fluid control through automated valve sequencing.
Solution Approach 2:
The centrifuge operates continuously without stopping to return unwanted components. The fluid control system achieves this through coordinated valve operations that redirect flow while the centrifuge maintains constant rotation, preserving continuous useful action and reducing donation time.
3Productivity
If a fluid line loop is used to return blood components, then continuous operation is enabled, but loop positioning and rotation control become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bearing set as an intermediary mechanism between the fluid line loop and the centrifuge system. The bearing set simplifies loop positioning and rotation control by providing a dedicated mechanical interface that handles the complexity of maintaining loop configuration during continuous rotation, enabling productivity improvement without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid line loop is designed to self-position and maintain proper configuration through its interaction with the bearing set during continuous centrifuge operation. The loop's flexibility and the bearing set's geometry work together to automatically maintain correct positioning without requiring complex external control mechanisms.
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
This approach reduces donation time by potentially 30% or more, enhancing donor comfort and increasing donation center productivity and revenue by allowing faster and more efficient blood component collection.
Implementation Method 1
The whole blood can again be centrifuged to collect only the blood component (e.g., plasma) that is desired and can return all other blood components not desired back to the donor during the same donation
Data Source
AI summary
Described are embodiments that include methods and devices for separating components from multi-component fluids. Embodiments may involve use of separation vessels and movement of components into and out of separation vessels through ports. Embodiments may involve the separation of plasma from whole blood. Also described are embodiments that include methods and devices for positioning portions, e.g., loops, of disposables in medical devices. Embodiments may involve use of surfaces for automatically guiding loops to position them into a predetermined position.