Peritoneal Ultrafiltration Cassette with Glucose Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current peritoneal dialysis methods for patients with congestive heart failure face challenges such as excessive ultrafiltration risks, hypotension, glucose absorption leading to hyperglycemia, and albumin loss, with existing systems being cumbersome and not optimized for ultrafiltration alone.
Innovation Solution
A cassette-based apparatus with four inlets/outlets, including a flow pump, glucose pump, and albumin filter, for intermittent ultrafiltration and glucose replenishment, maintaining a constant glucose concentration in the peritoneal cavity to manage fluid balance and minimize albumin loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If glucose-based peritoneal dialysis fluid is used for ultrafiltration, then fluid removal is achieved, but glucose is absorbed into circulation causing hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts glucose from the peritoneal dialysis fluid before it is absorbed into the patient's circulation. The system continuously monitors glucose concentration in the peritoneal cavity and selectively removes excess glucose, preventing its absorption into blood while maintaining the osmotic gradient needed for ultrafiltration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors glucose concentration in the peritoneal cavity and adjusts glucose removal rates accordingly. When glucose concentration reaches a predetermined threshold, the system activates glucose extraction; when concentration drops below the threshold, extraction is reduced or stopped, thereby preventing hyperglycemia while maintaining ultrafiltration efficiency
2Quantity of substance
If peritoneal dialysis is performed frequently to maintain ultrafiltration, then fluid balance is improved, but the risk of infection increases due to multiple catheter accesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from intermittent peritoneal dialysis to continuous ultrafiltration. The system maintains a continuous osmotic gradient in the peritoneal cavity through controlled glucose replenishment, enabling sustained fluid removal without repeated catheter accesses, thereby reducing infection risk while maintaining fluid balance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a self-sustaining system where glucose is automatically replenished in the peritoneal cavity based on concentration monitoring. This continuous self-regulation maintains the ultrafiltration gradient without requiring frequent manual interventions or catheter exchanges, reducing infection opportunities
3Ease of operation
If automated peritoneal dialysis machines are used, then treatment convenience is improved, but the devices are cumbersome and not optimized for ultrafiltration alone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential ultrafiltration function from complex automated dialysis machines. The system focuses solely on maintaining an osmotic gradient and removing fluid, eliminating unnecessary dialysis functions, thereby simplifying the device while optimizing it for ultrafiltration-specific needs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a versatile system that can be integrated into existing peritoneal dialysis infrastructure while performing specialized ultrafiltration. The apparatus can work with standard catheters and fluid bags, making it adaptable to various settings without requiring completely new equipment, thus reducing overall system complexity
4Quantity of substance
If peritoneal dialysis is performed for extended periods, then ultrafiltration effectiveness is improved, but albumin and other important blood constituents are removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates different concentration zones in the peritoneal cavity by controlling glucose distribution. High glucose concentration is maintained locally at the peritoneal membrane interface to drive ultrafiltration, while the system monitors and prevents excessive glucose absorption that would lead to systemic effects. This localized concentration control enables effective ultrafiltration while minimizing protein 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 apparatus provides controlled and efficient ultrafiltration, reducing the risk of hypotension and glucose-related complications, while minimizing albumin loss, thereby improving the quality of life for patients with congestive heart failure.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid comprises an osmotic agent, such as glucose or Icodextrin or others, causing ultrafiltration
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Method and apparatus for ultrafiltration of a patient being overhydrated due to congestive heart failure, comprising a cassette (25) having four inlets/outlets (25a, 25b, 25c, 25d). A patient tube (22) is connected to a patient connector (21), intended to be connected to a patient line (3) for access to a peritoneal cavity (2) of the patient (1). The patient tube comprises a flow pump (15) for addition and removal of a peritoneal fluid between the cassette (25) and the peritoneal cavity (2). The fluid is introduced into an intermittent bag (33) controlled by an intermittent valve (18) and then returned the same way back to the peritoneal cavity. Glucose is metered into the fluid entering the peritoneal cavity by means of a glucose pump (15). Glucose is replenished continuously or intermittently for keeping a concentration of the osmotic agent substantially constant in the peritoneal cavity. After treatment, the peritoneal fluid is drained to a drain bag (30), wherein the drain tube (31) comprises a drain valve (17) and an albumin filter.