Dialysis Recirculation Detection via Transient Flow Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting recirculation in arteriovenous shunts during hemodialysis are prone to external influences, require expensive equipment, and involve complex procedures such as bolus injections, which can be risky and costly, limiting their effectiveness and practicality for continuous monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a dialysis machine to detect recirculation by measuring changes in physico-chemical parameters, such as UV absorption, through a sensor on the dialysate side, without the need for bolus injections, using a dialysis fluid pump to adjust blood flow and detect recirculation based on transient behavior analysis, allowing for continuous and automatic monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If bolus injection methods are used to detect recirculation, then measurement precision can be improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the recirculation detection function from complex external monitoring equipment and integrates it into the existing dialysis machine's control system. By utilizing the dialysis machine's existing sensors and control capabilities, the invention eliminates the need for separate expensive monitoring devices while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The dialysis machine's control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it manages the dialysis treatment itself and simultaneously detects recirculation by analyzing parameter changes during the treatment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated recirculation monitoring equipment.
2Measurement precision
If bolus injection methods are used for recirculation detection, then measurement precision improves, but the procedure becomes more risky and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the dialysis machine's own operational parameters and existing sensors to detect recirculation, rather than requiring external bolus injections. The control system analyzes changes in dialysis parameters that naturally occur during treatment, making the detection process inherently safer and eliminating the risks associated with additional substance injections.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then reliability of recirculation detection improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors dialysis parameters throughout the treatment process, enabling real-time detection of recirculation events. This continuous monitoring is integrated into the existing dialysis treatment workflow, allowing the system to detect recirculation without interrupting or extending the treatment duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously analyzes dialysis parameters and provides feedback about recirculation status. When recirculation is detected, the system can alert the operator or adjust treatment parameters, creating a closed-loop monitoring system that improves reliability without requiring complex additional hardware.
4Ease of operation
If automated recirculation detection is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dialysis machine's control system automatically performs recirculation detection using its existing sensors and processing capabilities. The system self-monitors its own operational parameters and automatically identifies recirculation events without requiring external specialized equipment or manual intervention, simplifying the operator's task while utilizing integrated functionality.
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
Enables reliable, quantitative, and qualitative detection of recirculation with reduced equipment costs and risk, providing continuous monitoring and accurate results without influencing the blood side, thus improving dialysis effectiveness and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
measuring changes in physico-chemical parameters, such as UV absorption, through a sensor on the dialysate side
Implementation Method 2
remove uremic toxins by diffusion across the semipermeable membrane from the extracorporeally conducted blood
Data Source
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AI summary
The control method involves setting a desired blood flow value, at which the recirculation is adjusted and the parameter detected by a sensor (6) adopts an appropriate value. The blood flow value is changed to another lower blood flow value, where a new parameter value is appropriately provided and detected at the sensor. The recirculation is determined based on the course of change or the change from the former parameter value to the latter parameter value. An independent claim is included for a dialysis machine with pressure sensors.