Biomimetic Fetal Chamber With Sterile Amniotic Fluid Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extracorporeal systems for premature fetal development outside the womb face challenges in maintaining asepsis, facilitating fetal movement, protecting the umbilical cord connection, and preventing skin ulcers, while replicating the natural amniotic fluid environment in an environmentally friendly and biomimetic manner.
Innovation Solution
A fetal chamber system with a biomimetic design comprising a first and second section with sealing means, an amniotic fluid circuit, and umbilical cord protection, along with features to prevent pressure ulcers, allows for easy fetal transfer and maintains a sterile, movable environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If artificial amniotic fluid is continuously replaced to prevent bacterial and viral development, then asepsis is maintained, but cost increases and environmental damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system recycles amniotic fluid by filtering it through a membrane filter and UV sterilization unit, then returning the purified fluid to the fetal chamber. This eliminates continuous fluid replacement while maintaining asepsis, reducing both cost and environmental impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The amniotic fluid circulation system operates continuously, constantly filtering and sterilizing fluid to maintain aseptic conditions without interruption. This continuous action replaces the need for periodic complete fluid replacement.
2Strength
If the fetal chamber is designed as a single integrated unit, then structural integrity is maintained, but ease of fetal transfer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fetal chamber is divided into a first section containing the fetal bed and a second section, connected by a connection area. This segmentation allows the fetal bed to be accessed and manipulated independently for easy fetal transfer while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the complete chamber system.
3Strength
If the fetal bed is made completely rigid to ensure containment, then structural support is provided, but fetal movement is restricted and skin ulcers occur
Solution Approach 1:
The fetal bed combines rigid and elastic materials in different regions. The rigid portions provide structural support and containment, while the elastic portions allow fetal movement and prevent pressure points. This local differentiation of material properties prevents skin ulcers while maintaining containment.
4Ease of operation
If the umbilical cord connection is exposed to allow access, then ease of connection is maintained, but risk of cord accidents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes a protection means positioned in the connection area that shields the umbilical cord connection point from accidental damage. This protective barrier is in place before any potential harm can occur, allowing cord access to be maintained while preventing accidents.
5Reliability
If the fetal chamber is kept closed to maintain sterile environment, then asepsis is preserved, but fetal movement freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fetal chamber incorporates an elastic film that provides a flexible, sealed enclosure. This flexible membrane maintains the sterile closed environment while allowing fetal movements to occur freely within the confined space, accommodating both asepsis requirements and movement needs.
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 provides a biomimetic environment for premature fetal development, reducing infection risk, minimizing umbilical cord accidents, and preventing ulcers, while efficiently recycling and sterilizing amniotic fluid, thus improving survival rates of extremely premature fetuses.
Implementation Method 1
an amniotic fluid unit configured to sterilise the amniotic fluid
Implementation Method 2
a pump configured to pump the amniotic fluid from the at least one fluid outlet port into the amniotic fluid unit and out from the amniotic fluid unit into the at least one fluid inlet port
Implementation Method 3
an elastic film comprising at least one fluid inlet port
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
The present invention refers to a system for maturing a premature mammalian fetus. The system comprises a fetal chamber and an amniotic fluid circuit. The fetal chamber comprises a first section, a second section and a connection area. The first section comprises a first rigid frame, an elastic film comprising at least one fluid inlet port; and a first sealing means. The second section comprises a second rigid frame, a fetal bed comprising at least one fluid outlet port and a second sealing means. The connection area comprises at least one opening. The first and second sections have an open position and a closed position. The amniotic fluid circuit is configured to provide an amniotic fluid to and from the fetal chamber and to sterilise the amniotic fluid. The system maintains asepsis, facilitates transfer from the mother's uterus, allows a certain degree of movements and prevents skin damage and ulcers.