Peritoneal Dialysis Machine Dynamic Parameter Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Peritoneal dialysis machines face inefficiencies in utilizing available dialysate volume, leading to waste due to insufficient residual volume and variable treatment times, which can result in incomplete treatment cycles and unnecessary solution discard.

Innovation Solution

A dialysis machine with dynamic adjustment capabilities for treatment parameters such as dwell time and inflow volume, allowing for real-time optimization based on actual treatment progress and available solution volume, ensuring the planned treatment duration is maintained while maximizing solution usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the dialysis machine uses fixed treatment parameters (dwell time, inflow volume) from the treatment plan, then the treatment protocol is strictly followed, but the available dialysate volume may be insufficient to complete all treatment cycles, leading to waste of solution and incomplete treatment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment protocol adherenceVSAvoiddialysate solution waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The dialysis machine dynamically adjusts treatment parameters (dwell time, inflow volume) during treatment based on real-time monitoring of remaining dialysate volume. The control unit continuously modifies the treatment plan to ensure complete utilization of available solution while maintaining treatment efficacy, transitioning from static fixed parameters to adaptive dynamic parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by monitoring the actual consumption of dialysate solution during treatment and comparing it with the planned volume. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts subsequent treatment cycles to ensure the remaining solution is fully utilized, preventing both waste and incomplete treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of time

If the dialysis machine reduces treatment duration to accommodate shorter available time, then time efficiency is improved, but the planned treatment duration cannot be adhered to and treatment efficacy may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment time efficiencyVSAvoidplanned treatment duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts treatment parameters such as dwell time and exchange frequency based on real-time conditions. When time constraints are detected, the control unit modifies the treatment plan to prioritize essential cycles while maintaining overall treatment efficacy, rather than using fixed rigid parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The dialysis machine changes treatment parameters (dwell time, inflow volume, exchange frequency) adaptively during treatment. The control unit modifies these parameters based on remaining solution volume and time available, ensuring the treatment remains effective while accommodating real-world constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the dialysis machine discards solution when residual volume is insufficient for adequate treatment, then treatment quality is maintained, but available dialysate volume is not fully utilized, resulting in solution waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment qualityVSAvoiddialysate solution waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the threshold for discarding solution based on remaining treatment cycles and volume requirements. Instead of using a fixed discard threshold, the control unit calculates the minimum required volume for completing all planned cycles and adjusts parameters accordingly to utilize every available milliliter of solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit performs preliminary calculations before each treatment cycle to determine whether the remaining solution volume is sufficient for completing all planned cycles. This advance planning allows the system to adjust parameters proactively to ensure complete solution utilization while maintaining treatment quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If the dialysis machine allows manual drainage or skipping of treatment cycles by the patient, then patient comfort and flexibility are improved, but the treatment duration extends beyond the planned duration and solution consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient flexibilityVSAvoidtreatment duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

When the patient performs manual drainage or skips cycles, the control unit receives feedback about the changed treatment state. It then automatically recalculates the treatment plan and adjusts subsequent parameters to compensate for the time and solution already consumed, ensuring the overall treatment remains effective within the available resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes treatment parameters adaptively in response to patient-initiated modifications. When manual drainage or cycle skipping occurs, the control unit adjusts dwell times, exchange frequencies, and volumes of subsequent cycles to maintain treatment efficacy while accommodating the patient's needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2726120B1Peritoneal dialysis machine
Publication Date: 2021.09.01 FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP2726120B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP2726120B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2726120B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a dialysis machine, in particular a peritoneal dialysis machine, wherein a dialysis treatment, in particular a peritoneal dialysis treatment, can be carried out by means of the dialysis machine according to treatment parameters that are predefined and/or that can be input, and wherein the dialysis machine has at least one adjustment means with which at least one treatment parameter can be adjusted dynamically and/or during the treatment operation of the dialysis machine. The present invention further relates to a method for operating a dialysis machine.