Dialysis Fluid Fluorescence Profiling for Faster Patient Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for determining dialysis patient characteristics, such as peritoneal transport status and kidney disease progression, are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and require extra clinic visits, lacking sensitivity and accuracy, especially in early stages of kidney disease.

Innovation Solution

A dialysis profile process using fluorescence analysis of patient fluids, such as PD effluent, combined with machine learning models, to determine patient profiles efficiently and accurately, including peritoneal transport status and disease progression, without additional clinic visits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional methods are used to determine dialysis patient characteristics, then measurement accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedialysis patient characteristic determination accuracyVSAvoidtime required for patient evaluation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical/chemical laboratory analysis methods with optical detection (spectroscopy) to measure patient characteristics. The system uses light absorption and scattering properties of dialysis fluid to determine peritoneal transport status and other patient characteristics, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual laboratory procedures while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention measures multiple optical parameters (absorbance at different wavelengths, scattering coefficients) simultaneously to extract patient characteristics. By analyzing changes in these optical parameters of the dialysis fluid, the system可以快速 determine peritoneal transport status without requiring additional time for separate measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If conventional methods are used to determine dialysis patient characteristics, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedialysis patient characteristic determination accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of evaluation system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent describes a multi-functional detection system that can measure multiple patient characteristics (peritoneal transport status, dialysis adequacy, fluid composition) using a single integrated optical device. The system analyzes various optical properties of the dialysis fluid simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate testing devices and procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses the dialysis fluid itself as an intermediary medium that carries information about patient characteristics. By measuring optical properties of the fluid that has been in contact with the patient's peritoneal cavity, the system indirectly determines patient status without requiring direct measurement of tissues or organs, simplifying the overall measurement approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If fluorescence analysis is used to determine patient profiles, then productivity is improved and loss of time is reduced, but measurement precision may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of patient profile determinationVSAvoidaccuracy of patient characteristic measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple measurement techniques (spectroscopy, scattering analysis, and potentially fluorescence) into a single integrated system. By merging these methods, the system maintains the speed advantages of optical detection while compensating for individual method limitations through data fusion and cross-validation, thereby preserving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors optical properties of dialysis fluid and compares measurements against reference values or historical data. This feedback allows for real-time adjustment and validation of measurements, ensuring precision is maintained even during rapid, automated patient profile determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Provides a more efficient, accurate, and repeatable method for monitoring dialysis adequacy and renal disease status, reducing the need for extra clinic visits and minimizing infection risks, thereby improving patient quality of life.

Implementation Method 1

generating patient information via fluorescence analysis of the patient fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS20260041828A1Techniques for determining dialysis patient profiles

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

Methods, apparatuses, and systems for determining patient dialysis profiles, for example, of peritoneal transport status or disease progression, are described. For example, in one embodiment, a method of determining a patient profile of a dialysis patient may include obtaining a volume of fluid associated with the dialysis patient, generating patient information via fluorescence analysis of the patient fluid, and determining the patient profile based on evaluating the patient information with a profile library, the patient profile comprising at least one of a peritoneal transport status classification or a disease progression. Other embodiments are described.