Planar Pump Cassette for Simpler APD Fluid-Line Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and size of past machines and associated disposables for various Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) modalities have dampened widespread patient acceptance, making it less attractive as an alternative to manual peritoneal dialysis methods.
Innovation Solution
A disposable fluid handling cassette with a planar body, pump chambers, flowpaths, and a flexible membrane, designed for use with an APD cycler, that includes features like spacer elements, vacuum vents, and automated line connection mechanisms to minimize human interaction and reduce contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional APD machines and disposables are used, then automated peritoneal dialysis treatment can be performed, but the complexity and size of the system increases, reducing patient acceptance
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: a reusable cycler device and a disposable cassette containing pump chambers, flowpaths, and connection mechanisms. This segmentation allows the complex automated functions to be contained in a standardized reusable unit while providing simple disposable cassettes that reduce overall system complexity for the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable cassette is pre-configured with pump chambers, flowpaths, and connection ports before use. The cycler device is pre-programmed with treatment protocols. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for patients to assemble or configure components during treatment, reducing complexity and enabling easy automated operation.
2Ease of operation
If manual connection of fluid lines is required, then the system can be operated, but contamination risk increases due to human interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable cassette includes self-aligning and self-sealing connection mechanisms with pre-attached caps or seals. When the cassette is inserted into the cycler, connections are automatically made without requiring manual handling of open fluid ports. This self-service approach eliminates human interaction with potential contamination points while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Fluid lines and connection ports are pre-capped or pre-sealed before use. The cycler and cassette are designed with complementary connection interfaces that automatically align and seal when mated. This preliminary preparation of sealed connections prevents contamination during the connection process while keeping the operation simple for the user.
3Device complexity
If simpler disposable cassettes are used, then patient acceptance increases, but the ability to perform multiple APD modalities may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable cassette is designed with universal features including multiple pump chambers that can operate in different configurations, adjustable flowpaths, and standardized connection ports. The cycler device provides programmable control that can accommodate various APD modalities (CAPD, CCPD, TPD, IPD) using the same basic cassette design, allowing simplicity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cassette incorporates flexible membranes and adjustable flow paths that can be dynamically controlled by the cycler to adapt to different treatment modalities. The pump chambers can operate in different modes (fill, dwell, drain) with variable timing and volumes, enabling the same simple cassette structure to support multiple APD protocols through dynamic control rather than structural complexity.
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 cassette simplifies the connection process, reduces contamination risk, and enhances patient acceptance by providing a more user-friendly and efficient APD system.
Implementation Method 1
a pump chamber portion of the membrane movable in response to a pressure change in the pump control chamber so as to move fluid in the pump chamber
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum vent clearance depression arranged to remove fluid between the membrane and the control surface
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid handling cassette, such as that useable with an automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) cycler device or other infusion apparatus, may include a generally planar body having at least one pump chamber formed as a depression in a first side of the body and a plurality of flowpaths for a fluid that includes a channel. A patient line port may be arranged for connection to a patient line and be in fluid communication with the at least one pump chamber via at least a first one of said flowpaths, and an optional membrane may be attached to the first side of the body over the at least one pump chamber. In one embodiment, the membrane may have a pump chamber portion with an unstressed shape that generally conforms to the depression of the at least one pump chamber in the body and is arranged to be movable for movement of the fluid in a useable space of the at least one pump chamber. One or more spacers may be provided in the at least one pump chamber to prevent the membrane from contacting an inner wall of the at least one pump chamber. The patient line, a drain line, and/or a heater bag line may be positioned to be separately occludable in relation to one or more solution lines that are connectable to the cassette.