Integrated Arterial Filter in Oxygenator Reduces Priming Volume

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current blood perfusion systems for cardiopulmonary bypass surgery face challenges in reducing the priming volume and minimizing haemodilution, which can lead to post-operative morbidity due to the complexity and number of components in the extracorporeal circuit.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an arterial filter within the oxygenator, combining a heat exchanger, gas exchanger, and arterial filter in a single structure, reduces the complexity of the tubing set and priming volume by using a spirally wound filter mesh screen with hollow gas exchange fibers, effectively filtering blood and reducing emboli entry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate arterial filter and oxygenator components are used in the extracorporeal circuit, then blood filtration function is provided, but the priming volume increases and circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood filtration functionVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the arterial filter and oxygenator into a single integrated device. The filter screen is positioned within the oxygenator housing, creating a unified component that performs both filtration and oxygenation functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate filter and oxygenator components in the extracorporeal circuit, thereby reducing circuit complexity while maintaining blood filtration function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device serves multiple functions simultaneously: the oxygenator performs gas exchange while the embedded filter screen provides emboli filtration. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated devices, reducing the overall number of components needed in the perfusion system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate arterial filter and oxygenator components are used in the extracorporeal circuit, then blood filtration function is provided, but the priming volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood filtration functionVSAvoidpriming volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the filter within the oxygenator housing, the patent eliminates the volume occupied by a separate filter component and its connecting tubing. The filter screen occupies space within the existing oxygenator structure, thereby reducing the total priming volume required for the extracorporeal circuit while maintaining effective blood filtration function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple components are used in the extracorporeal circuit, then comprehensive blood processing functions are provided, but haemodilution increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood processing functionVSAvoidhaemodilution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of filter and oxygenator reduces the total volume of the extracorporeal circuit, which directly reduces the amount of priming solution required. Less priming solution means reduced haemodilution of the patient's blood, while the integrated device maintains comprehensive blood processing functions including oxygenation, CO2 removal, and emboli filtration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integration simplifies the extracorporeal circuit, reduces the priming volume by approximately 25%, and minimizes haemodilution, thereby enhancing patient outcomes by reducing the risk of emboli and improving surgical efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

Oxygen may be introduced into the blood by transfer across a membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

an arterial filter is added to the extracorporeal circuit, after the oxygenator, as a last barrier before the patient, so as to block any solid or gaseous emboli

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

a heat exchanger, a gas exchanger or oxygenator and an arterial filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS20230001063A1System for providing an integrated arterial filter into an oxygenator, minimizing added priming volume

Publication Date: 2023.01.05 LIVANOVA PLC

AI summary

A blood processing apparatus includes an optional heat exchanger and a gas exchanger disposed within a housing. In some instances, the gas exchanger can include a screen filter spirally wound into the gas exchanger such that blood passing through the gas exchanger passes through the screen filter and is filtered by the spirally wound screen filter a plurality of times.