Peritoneal Dialysis Drain Line Venting Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

In peritoneal dialysis, existing systems often fail to ensure complete drainage of the drain line, leading to residual dialysate remaining in the line, which can cause contamination and undesirable pressure conditions due to undefined pressure conditions and height differences, potentially returning fluid to the patient.

Innovation Solution

A peritoneal dialysis device with a drain line connected to a ventilation line, featuring a sterile filter and a shut-off mechanism, allows air to be introduced, ensuring complete drainage and preventing contamination by eliminating residual dialysate and managing pressure issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the drain line is made longer to bridge height differences, then the ability to connect to drain is improved, but negative pressure in patient's peritoneum increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrain line lengthVSAvoidnegative pressure in peritoneum
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

A ventilation line is introduced as an intermediary component connected to the drain line. This ventilation line allows air to be supplied into the drain line, acting as a mediator that equalizes pressure and prevents excessive negative pressure from developing in the patient's peritoneum during drainage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the drain line is disconnected from drain container to enable complete emptying, then drainage completeness is improved, but risk of contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrainage completenessVSAvoidcontamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation line serves as an intermediary that allows controlled air entry into the drain line. This enables the drain line to be emptied completely by creating positive pressure to push residual fluid out, while the controlled nature of the ventilation connection maintains sterility and prevents contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the pressure parameter within the drain line by introducing air through the ventilation line. This pressure change enables complete emptying of the drain line without requiring disconnection from the drain container, thus maintaining reliability while eliminating contamination risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If air is introduced into drain line to empty residual dialysate, then drainage completeness is improved, but contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrainage completenessVSAvoidcontamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation line acts as a sterile intermediary pathway for introducing air into the drain line. This controlled interface allows air to be supplied for complete emptying while maintaining the sterile barrier, thus achieving drainage completeness without increasing contamination risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively reduces the risk of contamination and undesirable pressure conditions by ensuring complete drainage of the dialysate, enhancing patient safety and comfort by maintaining sterile conditions and managing fluid dynamics.

Implementation Method 1

the inflowing air causes the residual dialysate in the drain line to drain into the drain

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

with a flow in the drain line and/or in the ventilation line upstream of the inlet Sterile filter is arranged

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3755398B1Peritoneal dialysis device
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP3755398B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a peritoneal dialysis device, comprising means for carrying out a peritoneal dialysis treatment, wherein the device has a drain line, which is, or can be connected to the catheter of the patient, and through which the used dialysis solution is conducted into a drain. The drain line does not terminate in a drain container, wherein at a mouth, the drain line is connected to a ventilation line, by means of which the ventilation line can be ventilated. Upstream of the mouth and/or in the ventilation line, a sterile filter is arranged in the drain line, wherein upstream of the mouth, a blocking means is provided in the drain line, by means of which the drain line can be temporarily blocked.