Disposable Infusion Valve Unit for Extracorporeal Blood Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extracorporeal blood treatment systems face challenges in setup efficiency and risk of cross-contamination, particularly due to complex handling of infusion lines and the need for multiple connections, which can lead to misconnections and increased setup time.
Innovation Solution
A disposable set with a pre-/post-infusion valve unit that integrates a one-way valve system, allowing fluid flow in one direction and reducing the need for multiple connections, featuring a first and second part that delimit input and output chambers with a sealing mechanism, and an infusion pump located within the system housing to simplify setup and reduce contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple connections and complex handling of infusion lines are used, then fluid can be infused into the extracorporeal blood circuit, but setup time increases and risk of misconnections and cross-contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple infusion line connections into a single integrated connection point. The infusion line is connected to a T-connector that integrates both pre-infusion and post-infusion pathways, eliminating the need for separate connections and reducing setup complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The T-connector serves multiple functions: it acts as a junction for pre-infusion and post-infusion lines, incorporates a one-way valve to prevent backflow and cross-contamination, and provides a single universal connection point for the infusion line, thereby simplifying the system while enhancing safety.
2Productivity
If multiple connections are required for pre-infusion and post-infusion, then fluid delivery is achieved, but setup efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges pre-infusion and post-infusion connections into a single T-connector assembly. This integration allows the operator to connect the infusion line once rather than making multiple separate connections, significantly reducing setup time and improving setup efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The T-connector with integrated one-way valve is pre-assembled and ready for connection. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site assembly of multiple connections and valve components, allowing for rapid and efficient setup.
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 solution enhances the reliability and safety of extracorporeal blood treatment by simplifying the setup process, reducing the risk of misconnections, and minimizing cross-contamination, while allowing for flexible valve mechanisms and reduced noise exposure for patients.
Implementation Method 1
The second part (13a) comprises a one-way valve configured to allow infusion liquid to flow from an inlet towards at least one of the first and second outlets (7a, 10a) and to block fluid flow towards the inlet (25)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4a
AI summary
An extracorporeal blood treatment system has a first holder (18), a second holder (19), an infusion pump (4) and an infusion valve unit (13). The first holder (18) is mounted on a housing (1a) of the system and configured to hold a blood treatment device (2). The second holder (19) is mounted on the housing (1a) and configured to hold an extracorporeal blood circuit (3) coupled to the blood treatment device (2). The infusion valve unit (13) has a first part (13b) and a second part (13a) releasable connectable to the first part (13b). The first part (13b) is mounted on the housing (la), and has an inlet (25) coupled to the infusion pump (4). The second part (13a) has a first outlet (7a) and a second outlet (10a) that are connected to an infusion circuit configured to couple to the extracorporeal blood circuit (3). Further, the second part (13a) has a one-way valve configured to allow infusion liquid to flow from the inlet (25) towards at least one of the first and second outlets (7a, 10a), and to block fluid flow towards the inlet (25). The extracorporeal blood circuit (3) with the withdrawal and return lines (6, 5) and an air trap (8), the infusion circuit comprising the pre and post infusion lines (10, 7) and the second part (13a) of the infusion valve unit (13) form part of a disposable set which is replaced after use.