Automated Fluid Circuit Priming for Osmolarity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The processing of biological fluids, such as blood and blood components, faces challenges in priming disposable fluid circuits without shocking biological cells due to sudden osmolarity changes, especially when multiple source containers are involved, as existing systems require manual intervention and struggle to tailor priming steps to the volume and type of fluid and container capacity.
Innovation Solution
An automated system with a reusable hardware unit and disposable fluid circuit that uses a controller to manage the delivery of a priming solution through the fluid circuit, allowing for selected volumes and pauses to mix with the biological fluid, thereby minimizing osmolarity shocks and accommodating single or multiple source containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If priming solution is introduced into the fluid circuit to remove air, then the fluid circuit is primed, but biological cells may be shocked due to sudden osmolarity changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by delivering priming solution to source lines before the biological fluid is processed. The controller is configured to deliver a first volume of priming solution to source lines in fluid communication with source containers, allowing the priming solution to be prepared in advance without immediately contacting the biological cells, thus preventing osmolarity shock while ensuring proper priming.
2Ease of operation
If manual priming is performed, then operator control is maintained, but productivity is reduced and consistency is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by using an automated controller to deliver the priming solution according to pre-programmed parameters. The controller automatically determines the volume and timing of priming solution delivery based on the number and capacity of source containers, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining precision and improving productivity.
3Productivity
If multiple source containers are used, then processing capacity is increased, but priming complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by using a single controller that can manage multiple source containers with different capacities and configurations. The controller is programmed to automatically adapt the priming parameters (volume, timing, sequence) based on the number and type of source containers connected, allowing one system to handle multiple scenarios without increasing operational complexity.
4Productivity
If priming solution is delivered quickly, then productivity is improved, but osmolarity balancing time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies periodic action by delivering the priming solution in controlled intervals rather than continuously. The controller is configured to deliver the priming solution in a predetermined sequence with specific timing between deliveries, allowing sufficient time for osmolarity balancing to occur between each delivery while maintaining efficient overall priming speed.
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 primes the fluid circuit with minimal operator intervention, ensuring osmolarity balancing and efficient processing of biological fluids by automating the delivery of priming solution and allowing for tailored priming steps based on the number and type of containers, reducing the risk of cell shock.
Implementation Method 1
pumping a priming solution from one or more containers of priming solution through a portion of the fluid circuit
Implementation Method 2
mixing the priming solution with the biological fluid in the source container
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for priming a disposable fluid circuit for the processing of a biological fluid are disclosed. The methods and systems allow for variable and configurable priming of the flow path(s) leading to one or more biological fluid source containers.