Dialysis Connector Sterilization via Actuator-Driven Fluid Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Peritoneal dialysis is under-utilized due to the high risk of infection, particularly peritonitis, resulting from non-sterile connections in the dialysis system, which can lead to bacterial contamination during the dialysis process.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a fluid reservoir with sterilization fluid and a processor-controlled actuator that injects and retracts sterilization fluid through a connector to internally disinfect dialysis tubing at connection sites, reducing the risk of infection by ensuring sterile connections between medical lines and components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If peritoneal dialysis is performed with manual connections, then treatment flexibility and patient autonomy are improved, but infection risk increases due to non-sterile connections
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sterilization by injecting sterilization fluid into the connector and tubing before dialysis treatment begins. The processor controls the actuator to inject the sterilization fluid, maintain it for a predetermined period, and then retract it, ensuring the connection pathway is sterilized in advance to prevent infection during subsequent manual connections.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sterilization fluid is injected into connectors, then infection risk is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional sterilization components
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization function is merged with the existing peritoneal dialysis machine by integrating a sterilization fluid reservoir, actuator, and processor control into the dialysis system. This combination allows the machine to perform both dialysis fluid delivery and connector sterilization using shared components like the pump mechanism and control processor, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite adding sterilization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator and pump mechanism serve multiple functions: they deliver dialysis fluid during treatment and inject/retract sterilization fluid for connector sterilization. The processor controls these same components for both dialysis operation and sterilization cycles, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for separate dedicated sterilization equipment.
3Loss of substance
If sterilization fluid is retracted back into reservoir, then fluid waste is reduced, but loss of time occurs during the retraction process
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding the sterilization fluid after use, the system recovers it by retracting the fluid back into the reservoir using the actuator. This recovery process reduces fluid waste and allows the sterilization fluid to be reused for subsequent sterilization cycles, improving resource efficiency despite requiring additional retraction time.
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 effectively reduces the risk of patient infection by maintaining sterility within the peritoneal dialysis system, allowing for safe at-home dialysis with reduced hospitalization rates and increased patient satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator to move the plunger from a first position to a second position, maintain the plunger at the second position for a predetermined period of time, and move the plunger from the second position to the first position
Implementation Method 2
causes at least a portion of the sterilization fluid stored in the reservoir to be expelled from the fluid reservoir and into at least one medical line via a connector
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for injection and retraction of a fluid. The system includes a switch configured to be activated, wherein activation of the switch activates an electrical control system. The system further includes a linear actuator that interfaces with the electrical control system. The electrical control system causes the linear actuator to depress a plunger, keep the plunger depressed for a predetermined time, and retract the plunger after the predetermined time. The system further includes a fluid reservoir engageable with the plunger, wherein the depression of the plunger causes fluid to be injected from the fluid reservoir into a connector and the retraction of the plunger causes fluid to be retracted into the fluid reservoir and out of the connector.