Dialysis Parameter Adjustment Using Patient Comfort Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blood treatment systems do not adequately consider patient comfort during dialysis, leading to potential discomfort and psychological aversion due to inconsistent treatment parameters.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a patient comfort feedback mechanism in blood treatment machines that allows real-time adjustment of parameters based on subjective patient input, such as ultrafiltration rate, to enhance comfort and reduce discomfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fixed treatment parameters are used throughout the dialysis session, then the treatment protocol is simple to implement, but patient comfort deteriorates due to inability to adapt to changing patient needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment protocol simplicityVSAvoidparameter adaptability to patient comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of treatment parameters (ultrafiltration rate, blood flow rate, dialysate flow rate) based on real-time patient comfort feedback. The system transitions from static fixed parameters to dynamic adaptive parameters that automatically adjust during the dialysis session according to patient comfort level input through the feedback mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a patient comfort feedback mechanism that continuously receives patient comfort level input and feeds this information back to the control system. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to automatically adjust treatment parameters in response to patient comfort changes, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If treatment parameters are frequently adjusted during dialysis, then patient comfort is improved through adaptive treatment, but treatment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter adaptability to patient comfortVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-adjusting control system that automatically modifies treatment parameters based on patient comfort feedback without requiring manual intervention from operators. The system serves itself by autonomously interpreting comfort level input and executing appropriate parameter adjustments, thereby managing complexity internally while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent focuses on changing specific treatment parameters (ultrafiltration rate, blood flow rate, dialysate flow rate) in response to patient comfort feedback. By targeting key parameters for adjustment rather than overhauling the entire control system, the patent achieves adaptability with controlled complexity through selective parameter modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual monitoring and adjustment of treatment parameters is performed, then treatment flexibility can be achieved, but time consumption and operator workload increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment flexibilityVSAvoidtreatment time and operator time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring and adjustment operations with an automated electronic control system. The system electronically monitors patient comfort feedback and automatically adjusts treatment parameters, substituting manual operator actions with automated electronic control to eliminate time loss and reduce operator workload while maintaining treatment flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous automatic adjustment of treatment parameters throughout the dialysis session based on ongoing patient comfort feedback. This continuous adaptive action eliminates interruptions for manual monitoring and adjustment, maintaining treatment flexibility while optimizing treatment time and reducing operator time consumption through uninterrupted automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3972662B1Auto adjustment of blood treatment parameters based on patient comfort
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE HOLDINGS INC
  • EP3972662B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3972662B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3972662B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A blood treatment machine includes a patient comfort feedback mechanism configured to be adjusted by a patient to indicate comfort levels of the patient. The machine is configured to adjust one or more treatment parameters based on the patient feedback.