Modular Organ Perfusion Device Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing organ perfusion systems are complex, expensive, and difficult to transport due to their reliance on disposable components, limiting the viability window for donor organs like lungs.
Innovation Solution
A modular organ perfusion device with a reusable and disposable assembly, featuring a perfusion circuit with a reservoir, fluid conduits, and flow control devices, allowing for sterile perfusion and ventilation, and enabling transportation of organs while minimizing waste and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable single-use components are used in perfusion systems, then sterility and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The perfusion system is divided into disposable and reusable portions. The disposable portion includes only the essential sterile components (cannulas, connectors) while the reusable portion contains the complex infrastructure (reservoir, tubing, pump interfaces). This segmentation maintains sterility where needed while reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the complex, expensive infrastructure from the disposable category and makes it reusable. Only the essential sterile components remain disposable, thereby maintaining reliability/sterility while dramatically reducing device complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If disposable components are used in perfusion systems, then sterility is improved, but cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments components into disposable (sterile-critical) and reusable (non-sterile) categories. This allows manufacturing costs to be reduced by reusing expensive components while maintaining sterility through selective disposal of only the essential sterile elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a strategy of discarding only the essential sterile components (cannulas, connectors) while recovering and reusing the complex infrastructure (reservoir, tubing, pumps). This selective discarding maintains sterility requirements while significantly reducing per-use costs.
3Reliability
If complex perfusion systems are used, then organ viability is improved, but transportability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The perfusion system is segmented into a compact disposable unit and a reusable base unit. The disposable unit containing only essential sterile components can be easily transported and attached to organs, while the heavier reusable infrastructure remains at the destination, improving transportability without compromising organ viability.
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 extends the viability window for donor organs by providing a sterile and functional perfusion environment, allowing for longer transportation and evaluation, while reducing costs through reusable components and minimizing waste.
Implementation Method 1
The priming port and the reservoir arranged to establish a hydrostatic gradient from the priming port to the reservoir
Data Source
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AI summary
An organ perfusion device includes an inlet for connection to the organ, and an outlet for connection to the organ. The device also includes a perfusion circuit including: a reservoir configured to hold a perfusion fluid; a waste receptacle, and a plurality of fluid conduits. The fluid conduits define: a delivery fluid path connecting the reservoir with the inlet; a return fluid path, independent of the delivery fluid path, connecting the reservoir with the outlet; and a waste fluid path connecting the reservoir with the waste receptacle. The device also includes a first flow control device configured to selectively prevent or allow fluid flow from the reservoir to the organ via the delivery fluid path; and a second flow control device configured to selectively prevent or allow fluid flow from the reservoir to the waste receptacle via the waste fluid path.