Multi-Port Dialyzer with Flow Restriction for Multi-Mode Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dialyzers, particularly for hemodiafiltration, require structural simplification and cost reduction while maintaining effectiveness across various blood treatment modes.
Innovation Solution
A dialyzer design featuring a housing with integrated flow restricting structures and ports, including a narrowed passage and optional heat-shrinkable components, to control fluid flow and adapt to different treatment conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a traditional dialyzer structure is used for hemodiafiltration, then the dialysis treatment can be performed, but the structure is complex and the cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The dialyzer is designed with multiple ports (first port, second port, third port, fourth port) that can be configured for different blood treatment modes including hemodialysis, hemofiltration, and hemodiafiltration. The flow restricting structure can be adjusted or removed to adapt to different treatment requirements, making the dialyzer versatile across multiple applications without requiring separate devices for each treatment mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The dialyzer structure is divided into a first cavity region and a second cavity region separated by a flow restricting structure. This segmentation allows independent control of fluid flow in different regions, enabling the dialyzer to adapt to different treatment modes by adjusting flow restrictions in specific segments while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the dialyzer structure is simplified to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost decreases, but control over fluid flow may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restricting structure is designed to automatically regulate fluid flow between the first and second cavity regions based on pressure differential and flow rate requirements. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for complex external control systems or additional valves, maintaining precise fluid flow control while simplifying the overall structure and reducing manufacturing costs.
3Ease of operation
If a flow restricting structure is added to control fluid flow, then fluid flow control improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restricting structure is integrated directly into the dialyzer housing, merging the flow control function with the structural component. This integration eliminates the need for separate flow control devices or additional assembly steps, improving fluid flow control while minimizing the increase in device complexity and maintaining ease of manufacture.
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 design achieves a simplified structure, reduced costs, and improved control over fluid flow, enhancing the dialyzer's versatility and effectiveness in hemodialysis, hemofiltration, and hemodiafiltration.
Implementation Method 1
Standard hemodialysis (HD) generally uses diffusion to remove waste products from a patient's blood. A diffusive gradient that occurs within the semi-permeable dialyzer between the blood and dialysate may cause diffusion.
Implementation Method 2
hemofiltration (HF) is an alternative renal replacement therapy that relies on a convective transport of toxins from the patient's blood. This therapy is accomplished by directly or indirectly adding substitution or replacement fluid to the extracorporeal circuit during treatment. That substitution fluid and the fluid accumulated by the patient between dialysis sessions is ultrafiltered over the course of the HF treatment, thereby providing a convective transport mechanism
Implementation Method 3
a flow restricting structure located in an area of the passage so as to restrict flow of medical fluid, for example dialysate, between the first cavity region and the second cavity region
Data Source
AI summary
Herein disclosed is a dialyzer, comprising: a housing defining a cavity comprising a first cavity region and a second cavity region which are communicated with each other by a pass-through passage; a plurality of hollow fiber membranes extending from the first cavity region to the second cavity region across the passage; a flow restricting structure located in an area of the passage so as to restrict flow of medical fluid, for example dialysate, between the first cavity region and the second cavity region; a first port and a second port each fluidly communicated with the first cavity region; and a third port and a fourth port each fluidly communicated with the second cavity region. Also disclosed is a corresponding system, comprising: the dialyzer described above, a blood line, and a medical fluid line, wherein the blood line and medical fluid line are fluidly connected with the dialyzer.