Modular Hemofiltration Apparatus with Interactive Operator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hemodialysis systems require inconvenient and time-consuming setup procedures, including cleaning and replacing tubing for different patients and therapies, often necessitating the apparatus to be removed from the patient's bedside for reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A modular hemofiltration apparatus with a control unit, manually installed replaceable panel kits, and a controller CPU with an interactive operator control system that allows for selection and change of CRRT therapies without altering panels or filter cartridges, featuring a touch-screen interface for step-by-step instructions and serial setup identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus is reconfigured for different patients and therapies by cleaning and replacing tubing, then the system can accommodate different treatment requirements, but the setup procedure becomes time-consuming and requires removal from patient bedside
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the hemofiltration apparatus into modular components including replaceable panel kits with pre-connected tubing sets. Each panel kit is a self-contained module that can be quickly exchanged without disassembling the entire system, enabling rapid reconfiguration for different patients and therapies while maintaining bedside operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed with universal interfaces and mounting structures that accommodate multiple types of panel kits and filter cartridges. The system can perform different CRRT therapies (CVVH, CVVHD, CVVHDF, SCUF) using the same base unit with different panel configurations, eliminating the need for dedicated equipment for each therapy type.
2Reliability
If the apparatus is removed from patient bedside for reconfiguration, then tubing and components can be properly cleaned and replaced, but patient care is interrupted and setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Tubing sets and panel kits are pre-assembled and pre-sterilized during manufacturing. The pre-connected tubing sets include pre-primed blood and fluid lines that are ready for immediate use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for bedside assembly and cleaning operations, allowing operators to simply replace entire pre-sterilized modules while maintaining patient care continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The design extracts the complex cleaning and assembly operations from the bedside environment by providing pre-assembled, pre-sterilized panel kits that are ready for direct installation. The troublesome cleaning and priming steps are removed from the clinical workflow and performed in advance during manufacturing.
3Reliability
If different CRRT therapies are performed with dedicated apparatus, then each therapy can be optimized, but the system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit incorporates universal pumping mechanisms, fluid management systems, and control electronics that can support multiple CRRT therapy modes. By using replaceable panel kits with different tubing configurations and filter types, the single apparatus can be optimized for CVVH, CVVHD, CVVHDF, or SCUF therapies without requiring separate dedicated equipment for each modality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic reconfiguration through interchangeable panel kits that allow the apparatus to adapt its configuration based on the required therapy type. The modular design enables the system to dynamically change its operational characteristics by swapping panel assemblies rather than requiring multiple fixed-configuration systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for carrying out selected fluid management and/or renal replacement patient therapy is characterized by an interactive operator control system having operator inputs for selectively changing a panel kit, replacing a filter cartridge, and/or changing to a different patient therapy during a currently running patient therapy, and providing operator instructions for carrying out tasks for completing same. In one embodiment, the interactive operator control system is also characterized by automatically serially identifying different setup steps to be carried out during system setup, displaying the successive steps substantially throughout the system setup as well as displaying on the operator interface screen sequential tasks to be carried out for each of the different setup steps.