Autonomous Dialysis Filter Maintenance via Thrombolytic Agent Administration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dialysis systems, particularly hemodialysis devices, face challenges with blood clotting, which reduces efficiency and requires frequent replacement, especially in implantable devices, necessitating a solution for automatic maintenance to prolong device lifespan and reduce medical intervention.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for automatic maintenance of dialysis systems that administer thrombolytic agents to filter sections based on predetermined criteria, such as time since last maintenance or detection of blood clots, to prevent or correct clotting, using sensors and switches to manage fluid flow and thrombolytic agent administration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual replacement of dialyzer is performed when blood clotting occurs, then patient safety is ensured, but patient convenience deteriorates and medical resources are consumed frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The dialysis system performs automatic self-maintenance by detecting blood clotting conditions and administering thrombolytic agents without requiring manual intervention from patients or medical personnel. The system monitors its own filter sections and autonomously executes cleaning cycles, enabling the device to service itself and eliminate the need for frequent manual replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor blood clotting conditions in filter sections and provide feedback to the control unit. When clotting is detected, the control unit automatically initiates maintenance procedures by administering thrombolytic agents, creating a closed-loop feedback system that responds to actual device conditions rather than relying on fixed schedules or manual inspection.
2Reliability
If frequent manual maintenance is performed, then filter efficiency is maintained, but loss of time and medical resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs maintenance actions periodically based on detected clotting conditions rather than on fixed time intervals. When sensors detect blood clotting in a filter section, the system automatically initiates a maintenance cycle involving thrombolytic agent administration, followed by rinsing and restoration of normal operation, creating a responsive periodic maintenance regime that adapts to actual device needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The dialysis system autonomously monitors its own filter sections using integrated sensors and automatically executes maintenance procedures when clotting is detected, eliminating the need for external medical personnel to perform frequent manual maintenance. The system services itself by administering thrombolytic agents and restoring filter function without human intervention.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If implantable dialysis devices are designed with long operational life, then surgical interventions are reduced, but reliability requirements increase due to blood clotting challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable dialysis device incorporates autonomous self-maintenance capabilities that allow it to counteract blood clotting internally without requiring external surgical intervention. The system uses integrated sensors to detect clotting and automatically administers thrombolytic agents through the blood flow channel, enabling the device to maintain its own functionality and extend operational life between surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs continuous monitoring of blood clotting conditions through integrated sensors that provide real-time feedback to the control unit. When clotting is detected in filter sections, the feedback mechanism triggers automatic administration of thrombolytic agents, creating a responsive control loop that actively manages reliability issues and extends device operational life by preventing clotting-related failures.
4Measurement precision
If thrombolytic agents are administered automatically based on sensor detection, then maintenance precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect blood clotting conditions in filter sections and provides feedback to the control unit, which automatically initiates maintenance procedures when clotting is detected. This feedback mechanism enables precise, condition-based administration of thrombolytic agents rather than routine or manual intervention, improving maintenance precision by responding to actual device needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The dialysis system incorporates autonomous self-maintenance capabilities with integrated sensors that monitor filter section conditions and automatically trigger thrombolytic agent administration when clotting is detected. The control unit manages the entire maintenance process autonomously, including switching fluid flow paths and administering medications, thereby improving precision while containing complexity within integrated device components.
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
This approach significantly prolongs the operational time of dialysis systems between medical interventions, allowing for longer intervals between hospital visits, reducing the need for replacement parts, and enabling better planning of surgical interventions, while maintaining filtering efficiency and patient health.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane separating the blood flow channel from the dialysate flow channel and having a plurality of pores through which substances are exchanged between a blood flow in the blood flow channel and a dialysate flow in the dialysate flow channel
Implementation Method 2
executing the maintenance event for the filter section, wherein said executing comprises: administering a thrombolytic agent to the blood flow channel of the filter section
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect there is provided a method for automatic maintenance of a dialysis system. The dialysis system includes a plurality of filter sections where each filter section includes a blood flow channel, a dialysate flow channel, and a membrane separating the blood flow channel from the dialysate flow channel and having a plurality of pores through which substances are exchanged between a blood flow in the blood flow channel and a dialysate flow in the dialysate flow channel. The method includes determining, for each filter section of the plurality of filter sections, whether a maintenance criterion is fulfilled. The method also includes triggering a maintenance event for a filter section of the plurality of filter sections for which the maintenance criterion is fulfilled. The method also includes executing the maintenance event and optionally administering a thrombolytic agent to the blood flow channel of the filter section.