Disposable ECMO Temperature Circuit for Mobile Patient Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temperature management devices for ECMO/ECLS systems are bulky, complex to clean, and not suitable for mobile use, posing contamination risks and hygiene issues, with no approved mobile solutions available for patient transport.
Innovation Solution
A disposable fluid circuit with a pumping unit and heating unit, designed for single-use, that regulates patient blood temperature precisely while minimizing contamination risk, featuring a sterile design and automated functions to prevent reuse and ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a water reservoir and fixed stationary pumps and tubes are used for temperature management, then temperature control capability is provided, but the system becomes bulky, complex to clean, and unsuitable for mobile use
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a reusable control unit and a disposable fluid circuit module. The disposable module contains the fluid circuit, reservoir, and pumping unit element, which can be easily discarded after use, eliminating the need for complex cleaning of the entire system while maintaining temperature control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable fluid circuit module containing a reservoir and pumping unit element that is discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning and sterilization procedures, reduces contamination risk, and enables mobile applications where the system can be quickly deployed and removed.
2Ease of operation
If a water reservoir and fixed stationary pumps and tubes are used for temperature management, then temperature control capability is provided, but contamination risks and hygiene issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid circuit, reservoir, and pumping unit element are designed as a disposable assembly that is discarded after single use. This eliminates the risk of contamination from repeated use and complex cleaning procedures, ensuring high hygiene standards while maintaining effective temperature control capability.
3Temperature
If heavy equipment with water tanks is used for temperature management, then temperature control is achieved, but mobility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the heavy water reservoir and pumping mechanisms into a disposable module that is pre-filled and sealed. The reusable control unit contains only the essential electronics and control systems, significantly reducing the weight of the permanent equipment while maintaining full temperature control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By transferring the fluid storage and pumping functions to a disposable module, the permanent equipment becomes much lighter and more mobile. The disposable module can be quickly attached and removed, enabling the system to be easily transported between patient locations while maintaining effective temperature management.
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 effectively controls patient blood temperature with reduced contamination risk, ensuring hygiene and ease of use, suitable for both stationary and mobile applications, including patient transport.
Implementation Method 1
the oxygenators of the ECLS systems offer an integrated heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system (5) for temperature management for patients in stationary and mobile ECLS and/or ECMO therapy, with at least one disposable (7) and a fluid circuit (9), wherein the disposable (7) comprises at least one reservoir (10) or bag provided with at least one supply line (12) and a drain line (14), further provided at least one pumping unit element (11) as part of the disposable (7), by means of which liquid in the reservoir (10) or bag can be pumped through the fluid circuit (9).Furthermore, the present invention relates to a disposable (7) for such a system (5).