Dialysis Machine Ventricle Bag Backfiltration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dialysis machines face challenges in accurately controlling back-filtration and ultrafiltration operations due to complex and inaccurate flow rate control mechanisms, leading to increased risks of errors and contamination, particularly with the use of peristaltic pumps and constant-volume pumps.
Innovation Solution
The dialysis machine incorporates a dialysate feed system with a flexible ventricle bag and pressurizer means, along with a flow constriction and pressure difference measurement system, allowing for precise control of dialysate flow rates without the need for downstream pumps, and features a disposable dialysate circuit design to minimize contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If peristaltic pumps are used to control dialysate flow, then the dialysis machine can perform ultrafiltration and back-filtration operations, but the flow rate control accuracy deteriorates and the pipe deteriorates rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes peristaltic pumps from the dialysate circuit entirely. Instead, it uses a ventricle bag containing dialysate that can be directly connected to the dialysate compartment inlet, eliminating the source of flow rate inaccuracy and pipe deterioration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ventricle bag as an intermediary device between the dialysate source and the dialysate compartment. This bag serves as a reservoir that can be pressurized to control flow without requiring peristaltic pump mechanisms, thereby improving flow rate accuracy and reliability
2Measurement precision
If upstream and downstream pumps are used to control back-filtration, then the dialysate flow rate can be regulated, but the device complexity increases and flow rate measurement errors accumulate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the downstream pump from the dialysate circuit. By using a ventricle bag that can be pressurized directly, the system eliminates the need for complex upstream and downstream pump coordination, reducing device complexity while maintaining flow rate control accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The ventricle bag system is designed to be self-regulating through pressure control. The bag can be pressurized to a predetermined pressure to achieve the desired back-filtration flow rate without requiring complex electronic control systems or coordination between multiple pumps
3Reliability
If disposable dialysate circuits are used, then the risk of contamination is reduced, but the cost of the dialysis machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the dialysis system into disposable and permanent components. The dialysate circuit including the ventricle bag is designed as a disposable module that can be replaced between patients, while the main machine body remains permanent. This segmentation allows contamination risk reduction without significantly increasing overall machine cost
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 design enables accurate and reliable control of back-filtration and ultrafiltration operations, reduces the risk of contamination, and simplifies the dialysis process by eliminating the need for complex pump control, while also allowing for a low-cost, single-use dialysate circuit that minimizes sterilization and rinsing requirements.
Implementation Method 1
pressurizer means making it possible to apply a pressure to said ventricle bag
Implementation Method 2
means for measuring the pressure difference across the terminals of said flow constriction
Implementation Method 3
the substances present in excess in the blood diffuse through the membrane into the dialysate
Implementation Method 4
ultrafiltration control means (UF) making it possible to cause an aqueous quantity of body fluid to pass through at least a portion of the membrane from the body fluid compartment into the dialysate compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A dialysis machine includes a dialyzer (1), a dialysate feed system (5) having a feed line (52), and a discharge system (6) having a discharge line (62). The machine further includes ultrafiltration control elements (UF) and back-filtration control elements (RF). The feed line is provided with a constriction (520) and with elements for measuring the pressure difference (523, 524) across the terminals of the constriction. The feed system further includes a ventricle bag (50), and pressurizer elements (70) for putting the ventricle bag (50) under pressure. The machine further includes an open/close system (C5, C5′) for opening/closing the discharge line (62) and the back-filtration control elements cause the discharge line (62) to close, and control the pressure applied to the ventricle bag (50), as a function of the pressure difference measured across the terminals of the constriction (520), so as to obtain a given flow rate of dialysate.