Dialysis Flow Rate Graph Display for Catheter Occlusion Diagnosis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dialysis systems lack simplified displays for flow rate graphs and alarms, making it difficult for users to diagnose issues such as catheter occlusions, blocked catheters, and peritonitis during treatment.
Innovation Solution
The system allows simultaneous display of normal, abnormal, and actual flow rate graphs, along with alarms, all on the same scale and time-aligned, using a controller with processors and a touch screen interface to facilitate quick diagnosis of problems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional dialysis systems display flow rate graphs and alarms separately or with complex interfaces, then the system can provide comprehensive monitoring capabilities, but the ease of operation and speed of diagnosis deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple flow rate graphs (normal, abnormal, actual) and alarm information into a single integrated display interface. The controller merges data from multiple sources and presents it in a unified graphical format, allowing users to view all flow rate information and alarm status simultaneously without navigating between separate screens or menus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the flow rate display into multiple graphical representations (normal flow rate graph, abnormal flow rate graphs, actual flow rate graph) that can be simultaneously viewed. Each graph segment provides specific diagnostic information, and the segmentation allows users to quickly compare expected versus actual flow rates to identify problems.
2Loss of time
If the system displays multiple flow rate graphs and alarm information simultaneously, then the speed of diagnosis improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse data types (flow rate measurements, alarm conditions, graphical rendering) through a single integrated system. The universal display interface can present multiple graph types and alarm information using the same hardware and software framework, avoiding the need for separate dedicated displays for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-parameter displays to a multi-dimensional graphical interface that simultaneously presents multiple flow rate curves and alarm information on a single screen. This dimensional expansion allows users to perceive temporal and quantitative relationships between different flow rate parameters and alarm conditions in a single visual field.
3Productivity
If the graphs are displayed at the same scale and time-aligned, then the productivity of diagnosis improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display system dynamically adjusts graph scaling and time-alignment based on the data being presented. The controller automatically calculates appropriate scales and synchronization parameters for each graph type, allowing flexible adaptation to different flow rate patterns and alarm conditions without requiring fixed precise manufacturing specifications.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus for displaying flow rate graphs and alarms on a dialysis system. The disclosed methods and apparatus allow a user to simultaneously view a normal flow rate graph, one or more abnormal flow rate graphs, an actual flow rate graph, and an alarm type. Preferably, the three graphs are at the same scale and time-aligned so the user can quickly diagnose issues associated with drain and catheter problems.