Microfluidic Thromboelastometry Cartridge with Elastic Microstructures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coagulation analysis devices are costly and not cost-effective for bedside diagnostics, requiring large blood samples and complex setups, which limits their accessibility and efficiency in rapid hemostatic function evaluation.
Innovation Solution
A disposable cartridge-based device with microfluidic channels and integrated elastic microstructures for blood sample analysis, allowing for the measurement of coagulation and fibrinolysis stages using a minimal blood volume, and enabling precise viscoelastic property determination through optical observation and quantitative analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional coagulation analysis devices are used, then coagulation parameters can be determined, but the devices are costly and require large blood samples
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into discrete modular components including a cartridge with microfluidic channels, separate reservoirs for reagents and samples, and individual functional units for mixing, incubation, and detection. This segmentation allows for miniaturization of each component, enabling the system to function with minimal blood volumes while maintaining analytical capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional macro-scale measurement chambers to micro-scale three-dimensional microfluidic channels and elastic microstructures. This dimensional reduction enables highly sensitive viscoelastic measurements with minimal sample volumes by confining blood flow through controlled geometric pathways that maximize interaction with the measurement structures.
2Ease of operation
If conventional coagulation analysis devices are used, then coagulation parameters can be determined, but the devices are costly and not cost-effective for bedside diagnostics
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge incorporates integrated mixing elements, heating zones, and timing mechanisms that automatically perform sample preparation steps without requiring external equipment or complex operator intervention. The system self-regulates fluid flow, reagent mixing, and incubation timing, enabling simple operation at the bedside while maintaining laboratory-quality measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions including sample introduction, reagent mixing, incubation, viscoelastic measurement, and data analysis are merged into a single integrated cartridge unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate equipment for each function, reducing overall device complexity and enabling portable bedside deployment while maintaining comprehensive coagulation analysis capability.
3Measurement precision
If conventional coagulation analysis devices are used, then coagulation parameters can be determined, but error rates are higher
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces conventional mechanical stirring and mixing systems with microfluidic passive mixing structures and elastic microstructures that respond to blood flow dynamics. This substitution eliminates mechanical complexity while improving measurement precision by directly sensing viscoelastic changes through optical detection of microstructure deformation, providing more accurate coagulation parameter determination.
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 device provides accurate, cost-effective, and rapid evaluation of coagulation parameters, reducing error rates and expanding accessibility for different patient profiles with minimal sample requirements, facilitating bedside diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
integrated elastic microstructures for blood sample analysis, allowing for the measurement of coagulation and fibrinolysis stages
Implementation Method 2
determination of blood viscoelastic properties by transferring the interaction to a quantitative analysis
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cartridge (10) for measuring changes in the viscosity of a fluid, the cartridge (10) comprising an inlet (12) and an outlet (13) between which flow of said fluid is provided through said cartridge (10), said cartridge (10) comprising at least one micro-pillar (15) having at least one first position, said micro-pillar (15) being capable of bending with fluid flow, and the amount of bending increases as the viscosity of the fluid increasing and restores to its first position in response to viscosity decrease of said fluid, said micro-pillar (15) fixed to the surface of the cartridge (10) from the root and has a free distal extremity, displacement of the micro-pillar (15) distal extremity relative to the micro-pillar (15) root is monitored.