Implantable Dialysis Device with Semi-Permeable Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current peritoneal dialysis systems are cumbersome, painful, and lack effective safeguards against pressure imbalances and protein loss, necessitating a more convenient and painless method with reduced puncture frequency and depth while maintaining effective blood waste removal.
Innovation Solution
An implantable dialysis device comprising a peritoneourinary pump system with pressure sensors and a magnetically coupled pump mechanism, along with an infusion system for controlled dialysate delivery, which minimizes punctures and prevents protein loss through semi-permeable membranes and controlled fluid transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If peritoneal dialysis is performed using traditional methods, then blood waste removal is effective, but the frequency and depth of punctures increase causing pain and inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the dialysis process into separate functions: an implantable catheter remains in the peritoneal cavity for continuous access, while dialysis solution is introduced through a separate subcutaneous port. This segmentation eliminates the need for repeated deep punctures into the peritoneal cavity, reducing pain and improving convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable catheter is pre-positioned in the peritoneal cavity during a single surgical procedure. This preliminary action establishes permanent access, eliminating the need for repeated punctures during subsequent dialysis treatments, thereby reducing pain and improving long-term convenience.
2Ease of operation
If peritoneal dialysis is performed using traditional methods, then blood waste removal is effective, but the frequency of punctures increases reducing patient comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the access route (subcutaneous port) from the target cavity (peritoneal space via implantable catheter). This allows dialysis solution to be introduced through a simple subcutaneous puncture rather than repeated deep peritoneal punctures, reducing procedure time and improving convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable catheter is pre-positioned during initial surgery, establishing permanent access. Subsequent dialysis treatments only require filling the catheter through a simple port access, dramatically reducing the time and complexity of each treatment session.
3Reliability
If traditional peritoneal dialysis systems are used, then dialysis treatment can be performed, but safeguards against pressure imbalances are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor intraperitoneal and bladder pressures. This feedback mechanism detects pressure imbalances and triggers appropriate responses (alarms, pump adjustments) to prevent pathological conditions, enhancing safety without requiring complex manual monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure monitoring and control system operates automatically, with sensors detecting pressure conditions and the pump system adjusting fluid transfer accordingly. This self-regulating mechanism provides reliable safety against pressure imbalances without requiring complex external control systems or frequent manual intervention.
4Reliability
If traditional peritoneal dialysis systems are used, then dialysis treatment can be performed, but protein loss occurs with extended use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a semi-permeable membrane within the implantable catheter that selectively allows waste products and excess fluid to pass while retaining proteins and other larger molecules. This porous membrane structure prevents protein loss during dialysis treatment without requiring complex active filtration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex active protein retention mechanisms with a passive semi-permeable membrane that naturally filters based on molecular size. This substitution provides reliable protein protection through material properties rather than complex mechanical or electronic control systems.
5Ease of operation
If implantable peritoneal dialysis systems are used, then puncture frequency is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple functions into a single implantable device: the catheter serves as both the access route and the dialysis chamber, while the pump system integrates fluid transfer and pressure monitoring. This merging reduces the number of separate components and procedures, making the system more manageable despite the implantable nature.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable catheter serves multiple functions: it provides permanent access to the peritoneal cavity, acts as the dialysis chamber, facilitates fluid transfer, and enables pressure monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices and procedures, balancing the increased device capability with manageable complexity.
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 device reduces the frequency and depth of punctures, maintains effective waste removal, and prevents protein loss and pressure imbalances, enhancing the convenience and safety of peritoneal dialysis.
Implementation Method 1
The waste is drawn into the peritoneal cavity by the osmotic pressure gradient created by the properly-formulated dialysis solution
Implementation Method 2
The extra-corporeal blood is then passed through a semi-permeable membrane that removes the waste—including excess water—otherwise filtered by healthy kidneys, from the blood without the loss of desirable molecules
Implementation Method 3
An implantable dialysis device comprising a peritoneourinary pump system with pressure sensors and a magnetically coupled pump mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A device and methods for treating renal failure are disclosed. One embodiment of the device is an implantable peritoneal dialysis device. When in use, the device can have a semi-permeable reservoir implanted in the peritoneal cavity. The reservoir can receive blood waste and drain through one or more conduits, via a pump, to the biological bladder. Solids and/or a solution benefiting dialysis can be pumped to the reservoir and/or implanted in the peritoneal cavity.