Plasmapheresis Controller Feedback for Precise Replacement Fluid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing therapeutic plasma exchange systems face challenges in efficiently and safely removing plasma from patients and administering a precise amount of replacement fluids or therapeutic agents, particularly in automated procedures.
Innovation Solution
A plasmapheresis system comprising a reusable hardware component and a disposable fluid circuit, equipped with a programmable controller, pumps, and sensors, which monitors plasma collection and initiates delivery of replacement fluids or therapeutic agents, ensuring precise administration based on predetermined volumes or percentages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated plasmapheresis is used to remove plasma and administer replacement fluids, then treatment efficiency is improved, but precise control of replacement fluid administration becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a programmable controller that continuously monitors the volume of plasma removed and automatically adjusts the replacement fluid administration accordingly. The controller receives feedback from sensors measuring plasma volume and uses this information to precisely control the infusion pump that delivers replacement fluids, ensuring accurate replacement based on actual plasma removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control of fluid administration with an automated electronic control system. The programmable controller uses electronic sensors and computerized algorithms to monitor plasma removal and automatically regulate replacement fluid delivery, substituting the need for manual measurement and administration with precision electronic control.
2Reliability
If a disposable fluid circuit is used for plasmapheresis, then safety and ease of sterilization are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two distinct segments: a reusable hardware component containing the pumps and controller, and a disposable fluid circuit that includes all tubing, filters, and connection elements that contact blood. This segmentation allows the disposable portion to be discarded after single use, eliminating sterilization requirements and reducing infection risk, while the reusable portion can be maintained and sterilized according to standard protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable fluid circuit designed for single-use only. This disposable component includes all elements that come into contact with the patient's blood, allowing it to be discarded after one procedure. This eliminates the need for complex sterilization processes and reduces the risk of cross-contamination, while the cost of the disposable unit is managed through efficient design and manufacturing.
3Measurement precision
If plasma collection is monitored to pause or terminate at predetermined amounts, then treatment precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic self-monitoring capabilities where sensors continuously measure the volume of plasma collected and feed this information to the programmable controller. The controller automatically compares the measured volume against predetermined targets and autonomously pauses or terminates the collection process when the target is reached, eliminating the need for constant manual monitoring and intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual monitoring and decision-making for plasma collection termination is replaced with an automated electronic control system. The programmable controller uses electronic sensors to monitor plasma volume in real-time and automatically executes the decision to pause or terminate collection based on pre-programmed parameters, substituting human judgment with precise electronic control.
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
Enables efficient and safe therapeutic plasma exchange by accurately collecting plasma and delivering replacement fluids or therapeutic agents, adapting to patient-specific needs and conditions, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
The separation of the plasma from the cellular components is typically accomplished in an automated procedure by centrifugation or membrane filtration
Implementation Method 2
The separation of the plasma from the cellular components is typically accomplished in an automated procedure by centrifugation or membrane filtration
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for performing therapeutic plasma exchange are provided. The systems and methods utilize a plasmapheresis device that includes a controller that is configured and/or programmed to monitor the amount plasma collected and initiate delivery of a therapeutic agent.