Peritoneal Dialysis Air-Pocket Pumping for Reusable Fluid Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated peritoneal dialysis systems generate significant disposable waste, requiring cumbersome setup procedures and potential errors due to the use of disposable items, which can be costly and space-consuming.
Innovation Solution
The system converts fluid-carrying components into reusable parts, utilizing a control unit to manage a PD fluid pump, airtrap, and valves to create air pockets for separating residual fluid from fresh fluid, reducing the need for disposable items and minimizing fluid mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable items are used in automated peritoneal dialysis systems, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and loss of substance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reusable fluid path system where the fluid path is not discarded after single use but is instead recovered, cleaned, and sterilized for repeated use. This eliminates the need for disposable tubing and connectors, reducing waste while maintaining system reliability through controlled reprocessing procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the disposable components (tubing, connectors) from the system and replaces them with reusable alternatives. By removing the disposable elements, the system reduces waste generation while the air-aided pumping mechanism compensates for the challenges of using reusable components
2Ease of operation
If disposable items are used in automated peritoneal dialysis systems, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates disposable items that require complex setup and configuration by implementing a reusable fluid path system. The reusable components are designed to be easily connected and disconnected, reducing setup complexity while eliminating the need for repeated disposal and reconfiguration of disposable elements
3Manufacturing precision
If air pockets are created to separate residual fluid from fresh fluid, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic principles by introducing air pockets into the fluid path to separate residual fluid from fresh dialysis fluid. The air-aided pumping mechanism utilizes air bubbles as a physical barrier to prevent fluid mixing, achieving precise fluid separation through pneumatic rather than mechanical means
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic air-aided pumping sequences where air is intermittently introduced into the fluid path to create separating air pockets. This periodic injection of air occurs at specific intervals during the dialysis cycle, achieving fluid separation through timed pneumatic action rather than continuous mechanical separation
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 waste, minimizes setup time, and ensures efficient fluid handling by maintaining reusable components, thus enhancing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of peritoneal dialysis treatments.
Implementation Method 1
the control unit causes the fluid line valve to close, the gas line valve to open, and the PD fluid pump to pump gas from the airtrap into the gas line
Implementation Method 2
create a pocket of gas in the fluid line and push residual used PD fluid towards a drain line
Data Source
AI summary
A peritoneal dialysis (“PD”) system having an air-aided pumping sequence is disclosed herein. In an example, a PD system includes a housing, a PD fluid pump housed by the housing, an airtrap, a fluid line extending from the airtrap, a fluid line valve positioned and arranged to operate with the fluid line, a gas line extending from an upper portion of the airtrap, and a gas line valve positioned and arranged to operate with the gas line. The system also includes a control unit configured to cause the fluid line valve to close, the gas line valve to open, and the PD fluid pump to pump gas from the airtrap into the gas line after a patient drain to create a pocket of gas in the fluid line and push residual used PD fluid towards a drain line.