Peritoneal Dialysis Bag Junction for Simplified Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a simple and effective continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) system that requires minimal apparatus and is easy to use, particularly for patients who prefer CAPD or need to perform manual midday exchanges in conjunction with nightly automated peritoneal dialysis (APD).

Innovation Solution

A peritoneal dialysis set comprising a larger six-liter supply bag connected to a smaller two-liter supply bag via a supply tube, with a three-way connector or junction for fluid management, allowing for manual clamping and unclamping steps to facilitate drain, fill, and dwell phases, enabling patients to perform exchanges efficiently without extensive apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional CAPD system uses multiple separate bags and extensive apparatus for each exchange, then the system can provide complete dialysis treatment, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need for multiple separate components and procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple dialysis bags (first and second bags) into a single integrated system where both bags are connected to a common drainage system and can be used sequentially without requiring separate apparatus for each bag. This merging reduces the number of separate components the patient must manage while maintaining complete dialysis treatment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drainage system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can drain from either the first bag or the second bag, and can accommodate both bags in sequence. This universal drainage system eliminates the need for separate drainage apparatus for each bag, simplifying the overall system while maintaining treatment completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a CAPD system uses multiple separate bags requiring individual management, then complete dialysis treatment can be provided, but the ease of operation worsens due to the burden of managing multiple separate components

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is pre-configured with both the first and second bags already connected to the common drainage system before the patient begins treatment. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for the patient to individually manage and connect separate bags during exchanges, reducing operational burden while maintaining treatment efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a CAPD system uses extensive apparatus for each exchange, then treatment completeness is ensured, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the complexity of managing multiple separate components

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging both bags into a single integrated system with a common drainage pathway, the patent maintains treatment reliability through complete dialysis exchanges while significantly reducing the operational complexity of managing multiple separate components. The integrated design ensures treatment completeness without requiring separate apparatus for each bag.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 allows for efficient and easy performance of CAPD exchanges, reducing the need for complex equipment and enabling patients to manage their dialysis therapy with minimal apparatus, enhancing convenience and effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

The transfer of waste, toxins, and water from the bloodstream into the dialysate occurs due to diffusion and osmosis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

The transfer of waste, toxins, and water from the bloodstream into the dialysate occurs due to diffusion and osmosis, i.e., an osmotic gradient occurs across the membrane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOsmosis: Osmosis

Implementation Method 3

The spent dialysate drains from the patient's peritoneal cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2398528B1Bulk delivery peritoneal dialysis system and method
Publication Date: 2015.08.12 BAXTER INT INC
  • EP2398528B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2398528B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2398528B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A peritoneal dialysis method includes (i) connecting smaller and larger supply containers to a junction, the smaller and larger supply bags both full of dialysate; (ii) allowing the junction to be connected to a patient's transfer set; allowing the patient to drain through the junction; (iii) allowing the patient to fill from the smaller supply container; and (iv) allowing the patient to refill the smaller supply container from the larger supply container.