Integrated ECMO and CRRT Controller with Blood Parameter Monitoring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current ECMO and CRRT systems face challenges in efficiently coupling blood flow and pressure rates, making it complex to provide simultaneous oxygenation and renal replacement therapy, particularly in patients at risk of acute kidney injury and fluid overload.

Innovation Solution

The OXYPURE apparatus integrates a blood oxygenator and filtering system, with sensors monitoring blood flow and quality parameters, and a controller managing components to ensure optimal blood flow and filtration, allowing for simultaneous ECMO and CRRT, and includes a database for normative, aberrant, and emergency ranges to manage therapy effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If ECMO and CRRT are coupled using traditional separate devices, then both oxygenation and renal replacement therapy can be provided, but the system complexity and difficulty of operation increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to provide simultaneous ECMO and CRRTVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines ECMO and CRRT functions into a single integrated device. The blood oxygenator and blood filter are coupled in series within one apparatus, allowing simultaneous oxygenation and renal replacement therapy through a unified system rather than separate connected devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated apparatus performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides oxygenation through the blood oxygenator, removes toxins and excess fluid through the blood filter, and maintains both functions through a single coordinated system. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate ECMO and CRRT devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If ECMO and CRRT operate at different blood flow rates and pressures, then each therapy can function optimally, but efficient coupling becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimal therapy functionVSAvoidease of coupling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor blood flow parameters and a controller that dynamically adjusts operating conditions. This allows the integrated apparatus to adapt blood flow rates and pressures to maintain optimal function for both ECMO and CRRT therapies simultaneously, resolving the conflict between different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Sensors monitor blood flow parameters throughout the system, providing feedback to a controller that adjusts operational parameters in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures both ECMO and CRRT functions operate optimally despite their different flow rate and pressure requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If integrated system with sensors and controller is implemented, then blood flow and filtration are optimized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of oxygenation and toxin removalVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses automated sensors and controllers to monitor and adjust blood flow parameters, reducing the need for manual intervention. The apparatus self-regulates to maintain optimal oxygenation and filtration efficiency, with the control system automatically responding to changes in blood flow conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 integrated system effectively manages blood flow and filtration, ensuring efficient oxygenation and toxin removal while preventing acute kidney injury and fluid overload, enhancing patient care by providing a controlled and adaptive therapy.

Implementation Method 1

extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)... providing prolonged cardiac and respiratory support... gas exchange

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas exchange: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

blood filtering system, that removes excess water, solutes, and toxins from the blood

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20220080093A1Simultaneous ECMO and crrt

Publication Date: 2022.03.17 TEL HASHOMER MEDICAL RES INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES LTD

AI summary

A controller for controlling an apparatus comprising a blood pump, oxygenator, and blood filtering system connected together by blood flow tubing and to a patient to circulate blood from the patient through the apparatus and back to the patient, to oxygenate and filter the blood, the controller comprising at least one communication interface operable to receive signals generated responsive to monitored parameters characterizing blood flow and/or quality of blood from the patient circulating through the apparatus and configured to: determine values for the monitored parameters based on the monitoring signals; determine whether or not a value determined for a given monitored parameter for blood circulating through the apparatus is within a normative range for the parameter; and generate an alarm to alert an operator of the system if the value is not within the normative range.