Extracorporeal Dialysis Configuration for Pediatric Fluid Removal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Dialysis machines are prone to incorrect configuration when used for patients with small total blood volume, such as children, due to lack of adaptation to patient characteristics and inability to detect unsuitable operating parameters.

Innovation Solution

A dialysis machine with a first and second pumping arrangement, a user interface, memory, and controller that determines the maximum fluid removal rate based on blood line size and patient weight, ensuring fluid removal remains below safe limits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a generic dialysis machine is used for pediatric dialysis, then the dialysis machine can be used for different patient populations, but the risk of incorrect configuration increases because the machine cannot detect unsuitable operating parameters for children

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to perform dialysis for different patient populationsVSAvoidrisk of incorrect configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a configuration verification procedure that provides feedback to the user. The controller checks whether entered operating parameters are suitable for the patient's total blood volume and provides feedback information to guide correct configuration, thereby reducing the risk of incorrect settings while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters based on patient characteristics. The controller modifies fluid removal rates, blood flow rates, and other parameters according to the patient's total blood volume, enabling safe operation across different patient populations from infants to adults

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the dialysis machine is configured with adult operating parameters, then the machine operates efficiently for adult patients, but pediatric patients are at risk of symptomatic hypotension and other health issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedialysis treatment efficiencyVSAvoidsymptomatic hypotension in pediatric patients

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static adult-default parameters to dynamic parameter adjustment. The controller automatically adapts operating parameters such as fluid removal rate, blood flow rate, and ultrafiltration rate based on the patient's age, weight, and total blood volume, ensuring safe and efficient dialysis across all patient populations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary configuration verification before initiating dialysis treatment. The controller checks whether the configured parameters are appropriate for the patient's total blood volume and provides feedback or alerts the user to correct settings, preventing harmful effects before they occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the dialysis machine uses fixed operating parameters, then the configuration process is simple, but the machine cannot adapt to different patient characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of configuration processVSAvoidadaptation to patient characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-service configuration guidance through automated verification. The controller automatically checks parameter suitability, compares entered values against patient-specific criteria, and provides feedback information, enabling users to correctly configure the machine without complex manual adjustments while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 configuration procedure reduces the risk of incorrect dialysis settings for pediatric patients, preventing health issues like symptomatic hypotension by automatically adjusting fluid removal rates based on blood line size and patient data.

Implementation Method 1

The blood filtration unit is known as a blood filter or 'dialyzer', and defines first and second chambers separated by a semi-permeable membrane. While blood is pumped through the first chamber, fluid and waste products are removed from the blood by transfer through the semi-permeable membrane into the second chamber.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSemipermeable membrane: Semipermeable Membrane

Data Source

PatentUS20250325735A1Configuration of a dialysis machine for extracorporeal blood therapy

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 GAMBRO LUNDIA AB

AI summary

A dialysis machine for extracorporeal blood therapy is configured to interface with a disposable blood line that is available in at least two different sizes. A memory in the dialysis machine is arranged to store configuration data that associates the different sizes of the blood line with a respective predefined limit value of fluid removal when the dialysis machine is operated by a controller to perform extracorporeal blood therapy. The controller is configured to execute a configuration procedure, which comprises obtaining size data indicative of a selected size of the blood line for use in the extracorporeal blood therapy in relation to a patient; determining, by use of the configuration data and based on the selected size, a maximum rate of said fluid removal from blood, and configuring the dialysis machine to maintain the fluid removal below the maximum rate during the extracorporeal blood therapy.