Optical Sensor for Dextrose Concentration in Peritoneal Dialysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for generating peritoneal dialysate lack the ability to accurately confirm complete dissolution and homogeneity of dextrose concentrate solutions and ensure precise proportioning of dextrose, which is critical for maintaining the osmotic balance and effectiveness of peritoneal dialysis treatments.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system that includes a transmitter light source and an optical receiver, configured to measure the refractive index of the peritoneal dialysate fluid in real-time, allowing for the determination of dextrose concentration within a predetermined range. This system is integrated into a peritoneal dialysis system to ensure accurate fluid proportioning and monitoring during treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If dextrose powder is reconstituted with injection quality water to form concentrate solution, then the peritoneal dialysate can be generated, but the ability to confirm complete dissolution and homogeneity of the dextrose concentrate solution is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical mixing and visual inspection methods with optical detection. A light source emits light through the fluid in a fluid flow path, and an optical receiver detects the transmitted light to determine dextrose concentration, eliminating the need for manual dissolution verification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical components (light source and optical receiver) as intermediaries to indirectly measure dextrose concentration. The optical properties of the fluid serve as a mediator between the dextrose concentrate and the detection system, enabling non-intrusive concentration measurement
2Manufacturing precision
If dextrose powder is proportioned to meet pharmacopoeia requirement of +/â5% of treatment prescription, then accurate dextrose concentration can be achieved, but the ability to confirm accurate proportioning is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical receiver continuously monitors the dextrose concentration in the fluid flow path and provides information back to the system. This enables real-time verification of proportioning accuracy and allows for corrective actions if the concentration deviates from the prescribed range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual proportioning verification with automated optical detection. The system uses light transmission properties to automatically determine dextrose concentration, eliminating the need for manual verification methods and providing continuous monitoring capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If online generation of peritoneal dialysate is performed, then flexible treatment can be provided, but the complexity of confirming fluid characteristics increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical detection system to serve multiple functions: it can measure dextrose concentration, verify dissolution completeness, confirm homogeneity, and monitor fluid characteristics throughout the treatment process. This single multi-functional system reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for each measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical properties of the fluid as an intermediary that provides multiple measurement capabilities simultaneously. By measuring the interaction between light and the fluid, the system can derive multiple fluid characteristics from a single detection mechanism, simplifying the monitoring process
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 sensor system enables continuous monitoring and precise measurement of dextrose concentration in peritoneal dialysate, ensuring accurate osmotic agent proportioning and reducing the risk of underdialysis or excessive osmotic agent exposure, thereby enhancing the safety and effectiveness of peritoneal dialysis treatments.
Implementation Method 1
an optical receiver operable to receive at least a portion of the light emitted by the transmitter light source, passing through the fluid flow path, wherein the sensor can be configured to measure at least one optical parameter of a fluid in the fluid flow path in one or more wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
System and methods for sensing fluid characteristics of peritoneal dialysate infused into and removed from a patient during treatment are provided. The systems and methods can use an optical sensor including a transmitter light source operable to emit light through a fluid flow path and an optical receiver operable to receive at least a portion of the light emitted by the transmitter light source.