Manual Pump Oxygenator Priming Circuit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for priming oxygenators in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) systems are either inefficient in removing air bubbles due to low pressure differences or costly and space-intensive due to the use of external pumps, leading to potential air embolism risks and logistical challenges in critical care settings.
Innovation Solution
A biomedical appliance with a manual pumping system and unidirectional valves ensures complete filling of the oxygenator by using a bag with two mouths and a shunt line, allowing for effective air bubble removal without the need for external pumps, reducing costs and space requirements while ensuring complete filling and rapid preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If gravity-based filling is used, then the system is simple and low-cost, but the oxygenator cannot be completely filled and air bubbles remain
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-filling the oxygenator with liquid through a closed circuit before connecting to the patient. The manual pump is used in advance to fill the oxygenator completely and remove all air bubbles, ensuring the oxygenator is ready for immediate use without requiring complex external pumping equipment during the critical connection phase.
Solution Approach 2:
A manual pump acts as an intermediary device between the gravity-based filling system and the oxygenator. This simple manual pump provides the necessary pressure to completely fill the oxygenator and remove air bubbles, bridging the gap between the low-cost gravity system and the requirement for complete filling, without needing a complex external pump system.
2Reliability
If an external pump is used for forced filling, then complete filling and air removal is achieved, but costs increase and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces expensive, space-consuming external pumps with a simple, inexpensive manual pump that can be easily disposed of or replaced. This manual pump provides sufficient forcing action for the filling operation without the high costs and space requirements of permanent external pumping equipment, aligning with the disposable/low-cost principle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the operator to manually operate the pump to fill the oxygenator without requiring complex external pumping equipment. The closed circuit design with the manual pump allows the system to serve itself during the filling operation, eliminating the need for expensive external pumps while maintaining complete filling capability.
3Productivity
If an external pump is used, then filling speed increases, but availability decreases due to limited pump resources
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses inexpensive manual pumps that can be easily obtained and disposed of, replacing the need for scarce, expensive external pumps. Multiple simple manual pumps can be used simultaneously or sequentially without the resource constraints of limited external pump availability, ensuring the filling operation can proceed whenever needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the filling function from the expensive external pump infrastructure to a simple manual pump that can be independently operated. This segmentation allows the filling operation to be performed without competing for limited external pump resources, as each filling operation can use its own simple manual pump, ensuring availability whenever needed.
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 appliance ensures complete removal of air bubbles from the oxygenator, reduces operational costs and space needs, and speeds up preparation times, making it a reliable and efficient solution for ECMO systems, always available for use in critical care environments.
Implementation Method 1
pumping means of the manual type arranged along the supply line upstream of the device with respect to the direction of forward movement of the liquid substance inside the supply line and which can be operated to suction the liquid substance from the bag and convey the liquid substance suctioned this way into the device
Implementation Method 2
valve means arranged along the supply line that can be operated during the suction and conveying of the liquid substance to prevent at least the liquid substance from flowing from the device towards the pumping means and from the pumping means towards the bag respectively
Implementation Method 3
The liquid substance contained in the bag then drops by gravity and gradually fills the oxygenator
Data Source
AI summary
The biomedical appliance (1), comprises: - a device (2) for the oxygenation of blood having at least an inlet fitting and at least an outlet fitting for blood; - a circuit (20) for the pre-filling of the device (2) for the oxygenation; - at least a bag (21) for containing a liquid substance having at least a first and a second mouths, distinct from one another, to allow the liquid substance to come out and reinfuse, respectively; where the circuit (20) comprises: - at least a supply line (22) communicating on one side with the first mouth of the bag (21) and on the other side with the inlet fitting of the device (2) for the oxygenation; - manual pumping means (24) arranged along the supply line (22) and which can be operated to suction the liquid substance from the bag (21) and to convey the liquid substance suctioned this way into the device (2) for the oxygenation; - valve means (25, 26) arranged along the supply line (22) and which can be operated during the suction and conveying of the liquid substance to prevent at least the substance itself from flowing from the device (2) for the oxygenation towards the pumping means (24) and from the latter towards the bag (21), respectively; - at least a return line (27), distinct from the supply line (22), communicating on one side with the outlet fitting of the device (2) for the oxygenation and on the other side with the second mouth of the bag (21), the return line (27) being suitable for reintroducing the liquid substance that comes out of the device (2) for the oxygenation, along with the air contained in same, inside the bag (21).