Peritoneal Dialysis Pressure Control via Time-Windowed Withdrawal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current peritoneal dialysis systems face challenges in efficiently managing intraperitoneal pressure during the stasis phase, leading to discomfort and reduced ultrafiltration effectiveness, as they struggle to accurately predict and respond to pressure variations caused by patient movements and physiological changes.

Innovation Solution

A dialysis system equipped with a pressure sensor and a processor that monitors intraperitoneal pressure evolution, allowing controlled withdrawal of dialysate only during predefined time windows based on pressure measurements and a mathematical model, thereby minimizing unnecessary dialysate removal and optimizing ultrafiltration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the system continuously monitors intraperitoneal pressure and withdraws dialysate whenever pressure exceeds a threshold, then intraperitoneal pressure is maintained within a given range, but the volume of dialysate in the cavity varies substantially throughout the stasis phase, generating uncertainty as to the actual ultrafiltration efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintraperitoneal pressure controlVSAvoidultrafiltration efficiency measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-defines specific time windows during the stasis phase when dialysate withdrawal is permitted, rather than allowing continuous withdrawal. This preliminary structuring of when withdrawals can occur prevents excessive interventions and maintains more stable dialysate volume, thereby preserving ultrafiltration efficiency measurements while still controlling pressure within acceptable ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If a large volume of dialysate is used during a long Dwell duration to improve ultrafiltration, then ultrafiltration efficiency is improved, but intraperitoneal pressure increases beyond a certain threshold, reducing ultrafiltration effectiveness and causing patient discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveultrafiltration efficiencyVSAvoidpatient discomfort and reduced pulmonary reserve volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors intraperitoneal pressure during the stasis phase and uses this feedback to determine when to initiate dialysate withdrawal. When pressure exceeds predefined thresholds within the defined time windows, the system automatically withdraws dialysate to bring pressure back within acceptable ranges, thereby maintaining ultrafiltration efficiency while preventing patient discomfort and preserving pulmonary reserve volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the system withdraws dialysate based on pressure variations, then intraperitoneal pressure is controlled, but the system cannot distinguish between pressure changes due to ultrafiltration and those due to patient movements, leading to unnecessary dialysate withdrawals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintraperitoneal pressure controlVSAvoiddialysate volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-defines specific time windows during the stasis phase when dialysate withdrawal is permitted. By limiting withdrawals to these predetermined periods, the system reduces the likelihood of unnecessary withdrawals triggered by patient movements, while still maintaining effective pressure control during the periods when withdrawals are allowed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enhances patient comfort by reducing unnecessary dialysate withdrawals and improves ultrafiltration efficiency by accurately differentiating between pressure changes due to ultrafiltration and patient movements, thus maintaining optimal intraperitoneal pressure.

Implementation Method 1

The peritoneal membrane has a very large surface area and contains many blood vessels. It thus acts as a natural filter between the blood and any liquid (dialysate) that may be present in the peritoneal cavity.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

its volume varies according to the efficiency of ultrafiltration, that is to say the quantity of liquid withdrawn from the patient (for example water) and/or reabsorbed by said patient

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrafiltration: Osmosis

Data Source

PatentEP3302613B1Peritoneal dialysis treatment system
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 DEBIOTECH SA
  • EP3302613B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3302613B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3302613B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a system which is a device suitable for carrying out removal of a dialysate volume fraction during a stasis phase so as to optimize ultrafiltration, the safety of the patient, the comfort of the patient, and/or the operation of the cycler.