Peritoneal Dialysis Pump with Real-Time Volume Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated peritoneal dialysis systems are cumbersome, require significant patient effort, and lack efficient management of supply bags, leading to potential air lock issues and reduced pumping efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A mobile automated peritoneal dialysis system with a rotating cart and bag management system that tilts supply bags to separate air, using a dual lumen patient line for improved priming and pressure sensing, and an auto-connection mechanism for efficient solution handling and identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automated peritoneal dialysis systems are used to free patients from manual treatment cycles, then patient convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components including a control unit, pump assembly, bag management system, and sensor array. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently managed, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automation benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-monitoring and self-adjusting capabilities through sensors that automatically detect fluid levels, air locks, and pump status. The control unit autonomously responds to sensor data without requiring manual patient intervention, enhancing convenience while managing complexity through automated decision-making.
2Productivity
If supply bags are not properly managed, then device complexity is reduced, but air lock issues occur and pumping efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The bag management system performs preliminary actions by automatically positioning and tilting supply bags before fluid delivery begins. This pre-positioning ensures proper fluid flow paths are established, preventing air locks and ensuring efficient pumping operation from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors continuously monitor fluid levels, flow rates, and pump status during operation. When air locks or flow restrictions are detected, the system provides feedback to the control unit which automatically adjusts pump parameters or repositions bags to restore optimal flow conditions, maintaining pumping efficiency throughout the treatment cycle.
3Measurement precision
If real time volume determination is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pneumatic pressure differential measurement across a known volume chamber to determine fluid volume in real-time. By measuring pressure changes as fluid enters or leaves the chamber, the system calculates volume with high precision using the ideal gas law, avoiding complex mechanical volumetric sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors changes in physical parameters including pressure, temperature, and electrical conductivity of the dialysate solution. These parameter changes are correlated with volume measurements, allowing real-time volume determination through software algorithms rather than direct mechanical measurement, reducing hardware complexity.
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 enhances mobility, reduces patient effort, ensures efficient fluid delivery with minimal air lock issues, and allows for real-time fluid volume measurement and leak detection, improving overall treatment efficacy and patient convenience.
Implementation Method 1
A bag management system tilts supply bags to separate air
Implementation Method 2
Waste, toxins and excess water pass from the patient's bloodstream, through the peritoneal membrane and into the dialysate due to diffusion and osmosis
Implementation Method 3
Waste, toxins and excess water pass from the patient's bloodstream, through the peritoneal membrane and into the dialysate due to diffusion and osmosis
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical fluid pumping system (250) includes a medical fluid pump,- a first pressure chamber (POS T) connected fluidly to the medical fluid pump; a second pressure chamber (POS P-L, POS P-R) connected fluidly to the medical fluid pump,- first (X-POST) and second (X-POS P-L, X-POS P-R) pressure sensors connected operably to the first (POST) and second pressure chambers (POS P-L, POS P-R), respectively; and at -least one processor operable with the pressure sensors to calculate a volume of gas (Vgas) in the medical fluid pump prior to a pump-out stroke using a reading from the first pressure sensor (X-POST) after exposing the pump to gas pressure from the first pressure chamber (POST) and to use the calculated volume of gas (Vgas) in combination with a known volume (press2) of the second pressure chamber (POS P-L, POS P-R) and a pressure decay reading taken via the second pressure sensor (X-POS P-L, X-POS P-R) during the pump-out stroke to calculate at least one volume of fluid (V fluid, t) pumped during the pump-out stroke.