Extracorporeal Venous Inflow Control Using Reservoir Vacuum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extracorporeal blood circulation systems require complex user intervention to manage venous inflow to a blood reservoir, which is stressful in a surgical environment and lacks optimal regulation of vacuum and flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A device with a restricting unit and vacuum unit, controlled by a single operating element, adjusts venous inflow through clamping and vacuum application to simplify user management, allowing settings above and below a basic value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gravitational drainage is used to convey blood from patient to reservoir, then venous inflow can occur passively, but large tube cross-sections and appropriate lengths are required
Solution Approach 1:
A vacuum unit is introduced as an intermediary force to assist gravitational drainage. The vacuum unit applies negative pressure to the reservoir, creating an additional driving force for venous blood flow. This mediator allows the system to achieve adequate inflow with smaller tube cross-sections by combining gravity and vacuum forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs pneumatic principles by using a vacuum unit to create negative pressure within the reservoir. This pneumatic force complements gravitational drainage, enabling controlled venous inflow with reduced dependence on large tube dimensions. The vacuum pressure can be adjusted to optimize flow conditions.
2Area of stationary object
If vacuum is applied to the reservoir to increase venous inflow, then the cross-section and length of drainage line can be reduced, but the user must manually regulate vacuum and coordinate inflow and outflow
Solution Approach 1:
A control means with a single operating element implements feedback control of the vacuum unit. The system automatically adjusts vacuum pressure based on sensed blood flow conditions, eliminating the need for manual coordination of inflow and outflow. The feedback mechanism maintains optimal vacuum levels to ensure adequate venous inflow while preventing excessive negative pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control means automatically regulates vacuum pressure without requiring continuous user intervention. The single operating element allows the user to set the desired venous inflow level, and the system self-adjusts the vacuum unit accordingly. This self-service capability reduces the complexity of user coordination while maintaining adequate drainage line dimensions.
3Shape
If the reservoir is located at a higher level than the patient, then active venous pump or vacuum is required, but gravitational drainage cannot occur
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum unit provides pneumatic assistance to overcome the adverse gravitational gradient when the reservoir is positioned higher than the patient. By applying negative pressure to the reservoir, the system creates a pressure gradient that drives venous blood flow upward against gravity, eliminating the need for mechanical venous pumps while enabling flexible reservoir positioning.
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
Facilitates simple and safe adjustment of venous inflow to a blood reservoir, ensuring physiological patient supply by automating flow rate regulation.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum unit for applying a vacuum to the reservoir in order to increase the venous inflow amount to the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
applying a vacuum to the reservoir in order to increase the venous inflow amount
Implementation Method 3
the reservoir may be located at a lower level than the patient so that drainage can already occur by means of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A device for establishing venous inflow to a blood reservoir of an extracorporeal blood circulation system includes a restricting unit for restricting a venous inflow line and a vacuum unit for supplying vacuum to the blood reservoir. The device includes a control unit that, upon setting the desired venous flow rate, automatically supplies a first actuating signal to the restricting unit for restricting venous inflow to the blood reservoir and supplies a second actuating signal to the vacuum unit for establishing a degree of vacuum within the blood reservoir, so as to achieve the set venous flow rate. The device includes a venous flow sensor.