Oxygen-Driven Diaphragm Pump for Compact Organ Perfusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional perfusion systems for maintaining organ viability during transport are large and inefficient, lacking a compact and efficient solution for pressurizing and pumping perfusate.
Innovation Solution
An organ perfusion system that integrates an oxygen source to pressurize and pump perfusate using a multi-way valve and flexible diaphragm, allowing for a compact and efficient perfusion system, including a head unit with an oxygenator, filter, and perfusion pump, and a cannister pressurization component to maintain pressure within the cannister.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional electric pumps are used to circulate perfusate, then the perfusion function is achieved, but the system becomes large and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the oxygen source with the pump chamber, where oxygen is used to pressurize the diaphragm that drives perfusate circulation. This integration eliminates the need for separate electric pumps and power sources, reducing system size while maintaining perfusion functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the oxygen source itself to provide the pressurization energy needed for perfusate circulation. The oxygen-driven diaphragm pump is self-contained, requiring no external power source, which simplifies the system and improves efficiency during organ transport.
2Device complexity
If an integrated oxygen source is used to pressurize the pump chamber, then the system becomes compact and efficient, but pressure regulation becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pressure sensors and control mechanisms that monitor cannister pressure and regulate oxygen flow to the diaphragm pump. This feedback system automatically adjusts pressurization to maintain optimal conditions, making pressure regulation easier despite the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary pressure regulation mechanism between the oxygen source and the pump chamber, allowing precise control of pressurization. This intermediary system translates oxygen flow into controlled diaphragm movement, facilitating easier pressure management.
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 system effectively maintains organ viability during transport by delivering oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products, providing a compact and efficient solution for perfusing organs or tissues outside the body.
Implementation Method 1
the oxygen source itself can be used in an integrated system to pressurize and pump the device
Implementation Method 2
a pressurization system such as a multi-way valve and flexible diaphragm
Implementation Method 3
The oxygenator can be for oxygenating the perfusate and be configured to receive oxygen from an oxygen source
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a perfusion system (300) that comprises a housing (311) containing a head unit (310), a cannister (340), a pressurization component (344), and a cannula (360). The head unit comprises an oxygenator (312) and a perfusion pump, wherein the perfusion pump may comprise a pump chamber (320) with an inlet valve (322) and an outlet valve (324), and a diaphragm (328). The system (300) can be connected to an oxygen source, such as an oxygen concentrator, and can be used to circulate perfusate fluid through a target tissue (390) or organ in the cannister to provide oxygen to the tissue. The oxygen source can provide gas to a pressure regulator, which can provide a constant gas pressure against the cannister pressurization component, which can e.g. be a diaphragm or a balloon element, in order to control and maintain cannister pressure at a preset value.