Three-Way Dialysis Connector for Syringe-Free Blood Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hemodialysis systems require cumbersome and time-consuming manual procedures or additional equipment for returning blood to the patient, involving syringes or complex pump reversals, which are labor-intensive and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A syringe-free blood return system utilizing a three-way connector integrated into the dialysis machine circuit, allowing for automated blood return through a substitution fluid line and arterial blood pump, eliminating the need for manual syringe use and reducing the number of tubing connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual syringe-based blood return is used, then blood can be returned to the patient, but the procedure becomes cumbersome, time-consuming, and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the syringe and manual filling steps from the blood return procedure by implementing an automated system where the blood pump directly returns blood through the arterial access line. The syringe is completely removed from the process, eliminating the time-consuming manual filling and injection steps while maintaining the blood return function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the blood pump to automatically return blood to the patient without requiring manual intervention. The pump autonomously controls the blood return process through the arterial line, eliminating the need for clinician-operated syringes and reducing labor-intensive steps.
2Reliability
If multiple tubing connections and clamps are used for blood return, then blood can be returned, but the risk of errors and air introduction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the blood return function with the existing arterial line connection, eliminating the need for separate syringe connections, clamps, and multiple tubing interfaces. The arterial line serves dual purposes during treatment and for blood return, reducing the number of connection points and potential failure modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The arterial line is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the blood access line during dialysis treatment and as the return pathway for blood after treatment. This universal design eliminates the need for separate return tubing and reduces the complexity of multiple specialized connections.
3Ease of operation
If syringes and additional equipment are used for blood return, then blood can be returned, but additional materials and disposal requirements arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need to discard single-use syringes and saline bags by using the existing arterial line and blood pump for blood return. The system recovers and reuses the arterial line infrastructure for the blood return function, avoiding the generation of additional medical waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The arterial line and blood pump are designed to perform multiple functions, including blood access during treatment and blood return after treatment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate disposable equipment dedicated to blood return, reducing material consumption and waste.
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 simplifies the blood return process, reducing labor, time, and potential errors by enabling automatic and efficient blood return without syringes, while minimizing the risk of air introduction and hemolysis.
Implementation Method 1
an arterial blood pump in communication with the machine arterial line and configured to pump fluid from the first end to the second end
Implementation Method 2
a substitution fluid pump in communication with the substitution fluid line and configured to pump fluid from the substitution fluid source to the second inlet of the three-way connector
Implementation Method 3
the three-way connector can be configured to selectively allow a flow of the substitution fluid into the machine arterial line and/or into the patient arterial access line
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter relates to systems and methods for syringe-free blood return in a dialysis machine blood circuit. A three-way connector can include a first inlet configured to be connected to a patient arterial access line, a second inlet connected to a substitution fluid line, and an outlet connected to a machine arterial line. In this arrangement, the three-way connector is configured to selectively allow a flow of substitution fluid from the substitution line into the machine arterial line and/or into the patient arterial access line without changing the connections of tubing within the circuit.