Infusate Sleeve Dissolves Solid Infusates in Dialysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dialysis systems require separate containers for specific solutions like sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and cations, which need to be cleaned and sterilized before each use, increasing costs and time, and there is a need for disposable components that can dissolve solid infusates while preventing particulate matter from entering the system.
Innovation Solution
The use of infusate sleeves with a sleeve body, filter, rigid disk, draw tube, and fluid connector allows for the dissolution of solid infusates within a reusable container, preventing particulate matter from entering the dialysate flow path and simplifying the addition of solutions to the dialysis system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate containers are used for holding each solution (sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, cations), then the concentration of each solution can be precisely controlled, but the containers must be cleaned and sterilized before each use, increasing costs and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable infusate sleeves that are discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for cleaning and sterilization of containers. Each sleeve is pre-sterilized and contains a specific infusate solution, allowing precise concentration control while avoiding time-consuming cleaning and sterilization processes between uses
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the infusate delivery by using separate disposable sleeves for each solution type (sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, cations). Each sleeve is independently prepared with the correct concentration, and the reusable container simply houses multiple single-use sleeves, separating the precision requirement from the cleaning requirement
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate containers are used for holding each solution, then each solution can be independently prepared, but the number of containers increases, driving up costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple single-use infusate sleeves into a single reusable container housing. The container can accommodate multiple sleeves (e.g., 3-5 sleeves depending on size), reducing the total number of separate containers needed while maintaining the ability to independently prepare and replace each sleeve as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable container is designed with universal functionality to house different types of infusate sleeves. A single container can hold sleeves for different solutions (sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, cations) and can be reused across multiple dialysis treatments, reducing the overall quantity of containers required
3Reliability
If disposable components are used to dissolve solid infusates, then particulate matter is prevented from entering the dialysis system, but the complexity of the infusate sleeve structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The infusate sleeve incorporates a porous filter membrane that allows dissolved infusate to pass through while blocking particulate matter. The filter is integrated into the sleeve structure, providing reliable particulate prevention without requiring complex external filtration systems
Solution Approach 2:
The infusate sleeve uses a nested structure where the filter membrane is integrated within the sleeve wall, and the draw tube extends through the filter. This nested design provides multiple functions (containment, filtration, fluid withdrawal) in a compact, relatively simple structure rather than separate components
4Manufacturing precision
If solid infusates are dissolved within disposable sleeves, then consistent solution concentrations are achieved, but the need for frequent replacement of sleeves increases
Solution Approach 1:
The infusate sleeves are pre-filled with solid infusate materials during manufacturing, and the container is pre-configured with multiple sleeves. This preliminary preparation allows consistent concentration to be achieved without requiring frequent replacements, as the container can hold multiple sleeves for extended use
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
This solution reduces the need for frequent cleaning and sterilization of containers, lowers costs, and ensures consistent solution concentrations by allowing solid infusates to be dissolved within disposable infusate sleeves, which can be easily replaced, maintaining the integrity of the dialysis system.
Implementation Method 1
a filter inside of the sleeve body and sealed to the sleeve body separating the sleeve body into a top portion and a bottom portion
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to infusate sleeves for use in dialysis and related systems and methods. The infusate sleeves include a sleeve body, a filter inside of the sleeve body, a rigid disk covering an opening in the top of the sleeve body, a draw tube connected to the rigid disk and extending downwardly into the sleeve body, and a fluid connector fluidly connected to the draw tube for connection to a dialysis system.