Optical Luminescence Measuring Device for Dialysate Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring dialysis efficiency during renal replacement therapy cannot continuously assess the removal of medium-sized molecules, such as β2-microglobulin and other peptides or small proteins, which are crucial for evaluating dialysis effectiveness, due to limitations in existing devices and measurement techniques.
Innovation Solution
A device combining luminescence and/or absorbance measurements is used to directly determine the concentration of specific substances in the dialysate waste, allowing for real-time monitoring of medium-sized molecules and adjusting dialysis parameters for optimal treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual sampling and laboratory analysis are used to monitor dialysis efficiency, then measurement precision can be achieved, but continuous monitoring is not possible and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling and laboratory analysis with an automated optical measurement system. The measuring device uses optical sensors to detect luminescence signals from dialysate samples, eliminating the need for manual collection and transport of samples to a laboratory, thereby enabling continuous real-time monitoring without time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device performs self-contained analysis by directly measuring luminescence properties of the dialysate in the circulation circuit. The system automatically detects and evaluates waste product removal without requiring external laboratory intervention, allowing continuous monitoring while the dialysis treatment proceeds.
2Productivity
If conductivity sensors are used to monitor dialysis, then continuous monitoring is possible, but calibration is very laborious and influenced by other sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from electrical conductivity to optical luminescence detection. By measuring luminescence intensity of fluorescent substances in the dialysate, the system avoids the calibration complexities of conductivity sensors. The luminescence signal provides a direct optical measurement that is less susceptible to interference from other solution components, simplifying the measurement system.
3Quantity of substance
If existing measurement devices are used, then small-molecular substances can be monitored, but medium-sized molecules cannot be continuously assessed
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is designed to universally detect multiple types of substances in the dialysate by measuring their luminescence properties. The optical detection system can identify and quantify both small-molecular substances and medium-sized molecules based on their fluorescent characteristics, enabling simultaneous continuous monitoring of diverse waste products without requiring separate measurement systems for different molecular sizes.
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
Enables continuous monitoring of dialysis efficiency by determining the content and removal rate of medium-sized molecules, allowing for real-time adjustments of dialysis parameters to ensure effective therapy without over-dialysis.
Implementation Method 1
determining the content of fluorescent substances in the dialysate waste
Implementation Method 2
measuring device with which a statement can be made continuously during therapy about the content or the change in the Content of medium-sized molecules
Implementation Method 3
optical absorbance measurement, which measures the transmission of the dialysis liquid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising a dialyzer which is divided into a first and a second chamber (29, 30) by means of a semipermeable membrane. The first chamber (29) is arranged in a dialysate path, while the second chamber (30) can be connected to a patient's blood circulation by means of a blood supply line (32) and a blood discharge line (31). The apparatus further comprises an inlet (20) for fresh dialysate, an outlet (36) for spent dialysate, and a measuring device (37) that is arranged in the outlet (36) and includes at least one radiation source (1) for substantially monochromatic electromagnetic radiation. In order to determine a luminescence of the spent dialysate flowing through the outlet (36), the measuring device (37) includes at least one detector system (5) for detecting the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation generated by luminescence.