Multi-Chamber Platelet Collection System for Plasma Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing platelet collection methods fail to efficiently obtain washed platelets with low plasma content, leading to potential side effects during blood transfusions.

Innovation Solution

A platelet collection method and system that involves multiple centrifugal separation steps, with distinct centrifugal forces applied in each chamber, and separate flow paths for platelet-containing components and additive solutions, allowing for effective separation and replacement of plasma with a platelet additive solution, thereby concentrating platelets with minimal leukocyte contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single centrifugal separation step is used to collect platelets, then the collection process is simple and quick, but the plasma content in the platelet preparation remains high causing transfusion side effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollection efficiencyVSAvoidtransfusion side effects
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The platelet collection process is divided into three distinct centrifugal separation steps performed in separate chambers. The first chamber performs initial separation of whole blood, the second chamber separates platelet-containing component from other blood components, and the third chamber performs final separation to produce washed platelets. This segmentation allows progressive removal of plasma and other components, reducing transfusion side effects while maintaining collection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and removes plasma and other unwanted blood components from the platelet preparation through multiple centrifugal separation steps. By taking out the plasma content that causes transfusion side effects and replacing it with platelet additive solution, the harmful factors are eliminated while preserving the therapeutic platelet component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple centrifugal separation steps are performed to reduce plasma content, then washed platelets with low plasma content are obtained, but the collection process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplasma contentVSAvoidcollection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple centrifugal separation operations are merged into a single integrated device with three chambers that can process blood continuously. The first, second, and third chambers are connected in sequence, allowing blood to flow through all separation stages without manual intervention between steps. This merging reduces operational complexity while achieving the goal of producing washed platelets with low plasma content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The collection device performs multiple functions within a single system: initial blood separation, platelet concentration, final washing separation, and additive solution mixing. Each chamber is designed to handle specific separation tasks, but the entire system works as a unified multi-functional platform that automates the complete platelet collection and washing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If different centrifugal forces are applied in each chamber for optimal separation, then separation precision is improved, but the system requires complex control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation precisionVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each chamber is designed with specific local characteristics optimized for its separation function. The first chamber is configured for initial gross separation, the second chamber for platelet-rich plasma isolation, and the third chamber for final washing. Different centrifugal forces are applied in each chamber according to local requirements, with each chamber's geometry and flow paths tailored to achieve optimal separation precision for that specific stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 method and system enable the reliable and efficient production of washed platelets with low plasma content, reducing transfusion side effects by effectively removing plasma and minimizing leukocyte contamination, while maintaining a simple and hygienic collection process.

Implementation Method 1

separating the whole blood into a first blood component including a large number of platelets and a remaining component by performing centrifugal separation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 2

separating the first blood component transferred to the second chamber into a platelet-containing component and a second blood component by performing centrifugal separation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 3

separating the platelet-containing component transferred to the third chamber into platelets and another component by performing centrifugal separation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentEP3342434B1Platelet collection method and collection system therefor
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 TERUMO KK
  • EP3342434B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3342434B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3342434B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A platelet collection method includes a step of accommodating whole blood in a first chamber (44) and performing centrifugal separation, a step of transferring a buffy coat resulting from the centrifugal separation to a second chamber (50), and a step of performing centrifugal separation on the buffy coat. Subsequently, a step of transferring a platelet-containing component resulting from the centrifugal separation to a third chamber (52) and a step of performing centrifugal separation on the platelet-containing component are executed. Also performed in the collection method are a step of introducing a platelet additive solution into the third chamber (52) and replacing plasma resulting from the centrifugal separation and a step of collecting platelets remaining in the third chamber (52) along with the platelet additive solution.