Peritoneal Dialysis Filter Set With Separated Fluid Pathways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current peritoneal dialysis systems require significant manual effort and time for patients, and there is a need for an effective and cost-efficient method to sterilize dialysis fluid before it is delivered, especially in automated peritoneal dialysis machines.
Innovation Solution
A peritoneal dialysis system that includes a PD machine or cycler with a filter set that uses a dual lumen patient line, where fresh dialysis fluid is filtered through a sterilizing-grade flat sheet filter membrane, and used fluid is routed around the membrane to prevent contamination, allowing for automated and efficient filtration and sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual peritoneal dialysis is performed, then the patient can control the treatment process, but it requires significant manual effort and time from the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated peritoneal dialysis where the machine performs the dialysis cycles automatically without requiring manual patient intervention. The cycler machine autonomously controls fluid infusion, dwell time, and drainage, freeing the patient from manual operations while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated cycler machine that uses electronic control and programmable logic to manage the dialysis process. The machine substitutes human manual effort with automated pumping, timing, and fluid management systems.
2Reliability
If dialysis fluid is not filtered, then the treatment process is simpler and faster, but the fluid may contain contaminants that compromise sterility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sterilizing-grade filter membrane with specific pore size (0.2 micron) that physically blocks bacteria and contaminants while allowing dialysis fluid to pass through. This porous material provides reliable sterilization without requiring complex multi-stage filtration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter set is designed as a separate, removable component that can be easily connected and disconnected from the dialysis system. This extraction approach allows the filtration function to be isolated in a dedicated module, simplifying the overall system while maintaining sterility reliability.
3Device complexity
If fresh dialysis fluid and used fluid share the same pathway, then the system is simpler, but used fluid can contaminate the filter membrane and compromise future treatments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid pathway into separate lumens within the patient line: one lumen for fresh dialysis fluid infusion and another lumen for used fluid drainage. This segmentation prevents contamination by keeping sterile and non-sterile fluid paths distinct throughout the treatment cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter set acts as an intermediary barrier between the fresh fluid pathway and the used fluid pathway. The filter membrane physically separates these pathways, allowing fresh fluid to be filtered while preventing used fluid from contacting and contaminating the filter membrane on the return path.
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 reduces manual effort and time required for dialysis treatments while ensuring the sterility of the dialysis fluid, enhancing the efficiency and safety of peritoneal dialysis by automating the filtration process and maintaining fluid sterility.
Implementation Method 1
Waste, toxins and excess water pass from the patient's bloodstream, through the capillaries in the peritoneal membrane, and into the PD fluid due to diffusion and osmosis
Implementation Method 2
Waste, toxins and excess water pass from the patient's bloodstream, through the capillaries in the peritoneal membrane, and into the PD fluid due to diffusion and osmosis, i.e., an osmotic gradient occurs across the membrane
Implementation Method 3
fresh dialysis fluid is filtered through a sterilizing-grade flat sheet filter membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A peritoneal dialysis (“PD”) system (10) includes a PD machine (20); a patient line (50) extending from the PD machine (20); and a filter set (100) in fluid communication with the patient line (50), the filter set (100) including a filter membrane (120, e.g., a sterilizing grade filter membrane or a bacteria reduction filter membrane) positioned and arranged such that fresh PD fluid flows through the filter membrane (120) into a filtered fluid compartment (106f), wherein the filtered fluid compartment (106f) includes an outlet (1060) to a port (106p), and wherein the port (106p) is in fluid communication with a circumferential used PD fluid channel (106c) positioned and arranged to carry used PD fluid around the filter membrane (120) without contacting the filter membrane (120). A method for priming filter set (100) is also disclosed.