Peritoneal Dialysis Filter Membrane for Sterile Fluid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current peritoneal dialysis systems require significant manual effort and time for patients, and there is a need for an effective and cost-efficient method to sterilize dialysis fluid before it is delivered, especially for home hemodialysis where frequent treatments are beneficial but are hindered by the complexity and time-consuming nature of manual dialysis processes.
Innovation Solution
A peritoneal dialysis system incorporating a PD machine or cycler that pumps fresh dialysis fluid through a patient line with a filter set, utilizing a sterilizing-grade hydrophilic filter membrane for filtration, which is designed to be reusable or disposable, and includes a durable or disposable pump and valve system for efficient fluid management, allowing for automatic control and reduced manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual peritoneal dialysis is performed, then dialysis treatment can be provided, but significant time and effort are required from the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic peritoneal dialysis treatment where the machine autonomously performs fluid infusion, dwell time management, and drainage without requiring continuous manual intervention from the patient. The cycler automatically connects and disconnects fluid paths, controls pump operations, and manages the complete dialysis cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated pump system that controls fluid flow into and out of the peritoneal cavity. The pump mechanically substitutes for patient manual handling, automatically regulating infusion rates, dwell times, and drainage based on pre-programmed treatment parameters.
2Reliability
If sterilization of dialysis fluid is implemented, then sterile fluid delivery is achieved, but additional filtration components are required
Solution Approach 1:
A sterile filter is introduced as an intermediary component between the dialysis fluid reservoir and the patient's peritoneal cavity. This filter membrane acts as a barrier that allows small molecules and water to pass while blocking bacteria and larger contaminants, ensuring sterile fluid delivery without requiring complex sterilization procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a porous filter membrane with specific pore sizes that enable selective passage of molecules based on their size. The porous structure allows efficient diffusion of waste products and water while maintaining sterility, providing a simple yet effective solution to fluid sterilization.
3Productivity
If frequent dialysis treatments are performed, then toxin removal is improved, but treatment time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous or near-continuous dialysis treatment by automatically cycling fluid infusion and drainage without requiring patient interruption for manual operations. The automated cycler maintains continuous therapeutic action, allowing more frequent and longer treatment sessions that improve toxin removal while minimizing non-therapeutic time loss.
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 reduces manual effort and time required for dialysis treatments by automating fluid management and providing effective sterilization of dialysis fluid, enhancing the efficiency and convenience of peritoneal dialysis, particularly in home settings by ensuring sterile fluid delivery and reducing fluid overload and toxin accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
a sterilizing-grade hydrophilic filter membrane
Implementation Method 2
Waste, toxins and excess water pass from the patient's bloodstream, through the capillaries in the peritoneal membrane, and into the PD fluid due to diffusion and osmosis
Implementation Method 3
an osmotic gradient occurs across the membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A peritoneal dialysis (“PD”) system (10) includes a PD machine (20); a patient line (50) extending from the PD machine (20); and a filter set (100) including a filter housing (102) having an upper housing plate (102u) and a lower housing plate (102l), and a filter membrane (112, such as a sterilizing grade or a bacteria reduction filter membrane) located between the upper housing plate (102u) and the lower housing plate (102l), the filter set (100) further including a lumen-side connector (104) configured to connect to the patient line (50), the lumen-side connector (104) connected to the filter housing (102) via at least one of a fresh PD fluid tube (106a) or a used PD fluid tube (106b). A method for manufacturing the filter set (100) is also disclosed.