Disposable Fluid Line Caps for Low-Contact Dialysis Autoconnect
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and size of conventional APD machines and associated disposables have hindered widespread patient acceptance of automated peritoneal dialysis as an alternative to manual methods, necessitating improvements in fluid handling systems for peritoneal dialysis.
Innovation Solution
Development of a disposable fluid handling cassette with integrated pump chambers, flowpaths, and automated connection mechanisms for solution and patient lines, along with a cap system that minimizes human interaction to reduce contamination risks and streamline the connection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional APD machines and disposables are used, then automated peritoneal dialysis can be performed, but the complexity and size hinder widespread patient acceptance
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate reusable components (cycler machine, carriage, cap stripper) and disposable components (cassette with spikes, solution lines with caps). This segmentation allows the complex automated functions to be concentrated in the reusable cycler while the disposable components remain relatively simple and easy to replace, resolving the contradiction between automation extent and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable components (cassette, solution lines, spike caps) that are discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for sterilization and complex maintenance of disposable items, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining high automation capability in the reusable portion.
2Ease of operation
If manual connection of solution lines to spikes is performed, then the connection process is simple, but contamination risk increases due to human interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service connection through the automated carriage and cap stripper mechanism. The carriage automatically positions solution lines, and the cap stripper removes caps from spikes without human contact. This self-service mechanism maintains ease of operation while eliminating contamination risk from manual handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap acts as an intermediary that seals the spike until connection is needed. The automated system removes the cap and connects the solution line to the spike without human fingers contacting either surface, using the cap removal mechanism as an intermediary step that prevents contamination while maintaining simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If caps are removed from spikes manually before connection, then the connection process can be performed, but the risk of contamination and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The caps remain on the spikes in a preliminary state during storage and transport, maintaining sterility. The cap removal action is performed automatically at the moment of connection by the cap stripper, eliminating the need for preliminary manual cap removal that would expose spikes to contamination while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Components for a medical infusion fluid handling system, such as an APD system, in which one or more lines (such as solution lines), spikes or other connection ports may be automatically capped and/or de-capped. This feature may provide advantages, such as a reduced likelihood of contamination since no human interaction is required to de-cap and connect the one or more lines, the spikes, or the other connection ports. For example, a fluid handling cassette may include one or more caps that cover a corresponding spike and include a raised and/or recessed feature to assist in removal of the one or more caps from the cassette. A solution line cap may include a hole and a recess, a groove or other feature to engage with a spike cap and enable removal of the spike cap.