Integrated Hollow Fiber Membrane Dialyzer for Liver Toxin Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liver dialysis systems are complex and inefficient in removing protein-bound liver toxins, such as unconjugated bilirubin and bile acids, and accumulate pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are associated with high mortality in acute liver failure.
Innovation Solution
A liver support system comprising a high-flux dialyzer for initial toxin removal, a low-flux dialyzer for water-soluble toxin removal, and an integrated hollow fiber membrane dialyzer with adsorbent material in the filtrate space to bind and remove protein-bound toxins, eliminating the need for separate adsorber cartridges and filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate components (dialyzers, adsorber cartridges, filters) are used for liver dialysis, then toxin removal function is comprehensive, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (dialyzer, adsorber cartridges, and filters) into a single integrated liver dialysis device. The integrated device includes a hollow fiber membrane dialyzer with an adsorbent material positioned in the filtrate space, eliminating the need for separate external components while maintaining comprehensive toxin removal functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated hollow fiber membrane dialyzer performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a dialyzer for water-soluble toxin removal, contains adsorbent material for protein-bound toxin removal, and includes integrated filtration. This multi-functional design replaces multiple separate specialized components with one universal device.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for liver dialysis, then comprehensive toxin removal is achieved, but system costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple separate components into a single integrated device, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and sterilized separately. This integration lowers manufacturing complexity and associated costs while maintaining the comprehensive toxin removal capability through the combined dialysis and adsorption functions within one device.
3Productivity
If standard hollow fiber membrane dialyzer is used, then water-soluble toxins are removed, but protein-bound toxins accumulate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing adsorbent material specifically in the filtrate space of the hollow fiber membrane dialyzer. This localized addition of adsorbent capacity targets the specific problem of protein-bound toxin removal without compromising the existing water-soluble toxin removal function of the dialyzer membranes.
Solution Approach 2:
The adsorbent material in the filtrate space acts as an intermediary that captures protein-bound toxins from the dialysate. This intermediary component enables the removal of protein-bound toxins without interfering with the primary dialysis function of removing water-soluble toxins, addressing both toxin types through a coordinated two-mechanism approach.
4Reliability
If separate adsorber cartridges are used, then protein-bound toxin removal is achieved, but device complexity and pressure drop increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adsorber function with the dialyzer structure by positioning adsorbent material directly in the filtrate space of the hollow fiber membrane dialyzer. This integration eliminates the need for separate external adsorber cartridges and their associated connections, housings, and mounting mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining protein-bound toxin removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the adsorber function from separate external cartridges and incorporates it directly into the dialyzer structure. By taking out the adsorber function and integrating it into the filtrate space, the design eliminates the need for separate adsorber cartridge components, connections, and housing structures, simplifying the overall device.
5Reliability
If separate adsorber cartridges and filters are used, then toxin removal is effective, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the adsorber and filter functions into the single integrated hollow fiber membrane dialyzer structure, the patent eliminates multiple separate flow paths and connections that would each contribute to pressure drop. The integrated design allows dialysate to flow through the hollow fibers and contact the adsorbent material in the filtrate space in a streamlined manner, reducing overall hydraulic resistance compared to sequential separate components.
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 simplifies the dialysis process, reduces complexity and costs, and achieves higher efficacy in removing hepatic toxins, with improved albumin regeneration and reduced pressure drop, leading to enhanced toxin clearance.
Implementation Method 1
a first standard hollow fiber membrane dialyzer which is perfused with the patient's blood
Implementation Method 2
a third, integrated hollow fiber membrane dialyzer which allows the passage of certain amounts of albumin over the membrane wall
Implementation Method 3
The filtrate space of the third, integrated hollow fiber membrane dialyzer is in fluid connection only with the lumen space of the hollow fibers and is populated with a chemically and/or physically active adsorbent material
Implementation Method 4
The system comprises a first standard hollow fiber membrane dialyzer which is perfused with the patient's blood, a second hollow fiber membrane dialyzer which removes water-soluble substances from the dialysate of said first dialyzer
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an artificial, extracorporeal system for supporting the function of the liver of a patient suffering from liver failure, which is characterized in that it comprises a first high-flux or high cut-off hollow fiber membrane dialyzer which is perfused on the lumen side with the patient's blood and wherein a buffered aqueous solution comprising human serum albumin is passed in a continuous flow through the filtrate space of said first dialyzer, a second hollow fiber membrane dialyzer which removes water-soluble substances from the dialysate of said first dialyzer, and a third, integrated hollow fiber membrane dialyzer which is perfused with the retentate of second hemodialyzer and which allows the passage of certain amounts of albumin over the membrane wall into the filtrate space which is populated with adsorbent material. The system can be used for the treatment of acute liver failure and acute-on-chronic liver failure.