Automated Dialyzer Priming via Pressure Gradient
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extracorporeal blood treatment devices require manual intervention for priming and rinsing, which is inefficient and increases the risk of contamination due to the need for disposables and manual handling of the dialyzer.
Innovation Solution
An automated extracorporeal blood treatment device that uses a control unit to manage the priming and rinsing processes by creating a pressure difference between the extracorporeal circuit and the dialyzing liquid circuit, allowing for the elimination of external saline bags and disposables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual priming and rinsing methods are used, then the device can be prepared for treatment, but the process is inefficient and increases the risk of contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs priming and rinsing automatically without manual intervention. The control unit coordinates valves and pumps to enable the device to prepare itself by circulating priming solution through the extracorporeal circuit and dialyzer, eliminating manual handling and associated contamination risks while maintaining preparation quality
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations (rotating dialyzer, connecting saline bags) are replaced with an automated control system that uses electronic control of valves and pumps to achieve the same priming and rinsing objectives, improving efficiency and reducing contamination risk
2Ease of operation
If external saline bags and disposables are used, then the priming process can be completed, but the need for manual handling and disposal increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and eliminates external saline bags and disposable components from the priming process. By using the device's own fluid circuitry and reusable components, the system reduces the number of disposables and manual handling steps while simplifying the overall operation
Solution Approach 2:
The dialyzer and extracorporeal circuit serve multiple functions: they perform the primary dialysis function and also serve as the priming and rinsing circuitry. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate priming components and reduces overall system complexity
3Reliability
If the dialyzer needs to be rotated to remove air bubbles, then complete filling is achieved, but manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls fluid flow directions through valve actuation to achieve complete filling of the dialyzer and extracorporeal circuit without mechanical rotation. By alternating flow directions and creating pressure differentials, the system eliminates air bubbles through automated fluid dynamics rather than manual mechanical rotation
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 automated system reduces the need for manual handling and disposables, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of contamination, while also allowing for the priming and rinsing of the dialyzer without the need to rotate it.
Implementation Method 1
for rinsing a pressure difference is created between the extracorporeal circuit and the dialyzing liquid circuit and a liquid transfer is effected across the membrane of the dialyzer
Implementation Method 2
a liquid transfer is effected across the membrane of the dialyzer
Data Source
AI summary
An extracorporeal blood treatment device and method for priming and rinsing an extracorporeal blood treatment device. The extracorporeal blood treatment device includes an extracorporeal circuit, a dialyzer, and a dialyzing liquid circuit. The extracorporeal blood treatment device is configured for priming and rinsing the extracorporeal circuit, dialyzer and dialyzing liquid circuit. An arterial section and a venous section of the extracorporeal circuit are connected by a connector device. A control unit of the extracorporeal blood treatment device is configured to control the priming such that a liquid is supplied from the dialyzing liquid circuit via the dialyzer to the extracorporeal circuit and to control the rinsing such that it occurs via a created pressure difference between the extracorporeal circuit and the dialyzing liquid circuit for causing a liquid transfer via the dialyzer, in particular from the extracorporeal circuit to the dialyzing liquid circuit.