Platelet Concentration Control via Pump Adjustment and Dilution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blood separation systems are vulnerable to pump-driven flow inaccuracies, which can result in improper platelet concentrations in the collected platelet product, making it difficult to achieve the desired final concentration.
Innovation Solution
A blood separation device and method that includes a pump system, valve system, centrifugal separator, and spinning membrane separator, controlled by a controller to execute a platelet collection procedure. The system selects a first and second target concentration, separates blood into red blood cells and platelet-rich plasma, and further separates the platelet-rich plasma into platelet-poor plasma and platelet concentrate. The controller adjusts the pump operation to collect the platelet concentrate at the first target concentration, and after separation, adds platelet-poor plasma or an additive solution to achieve the second target concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional blood separation systems use pump-driven flow to collect platelet concentrate, then the collection process can be automated and continuous, but pump inaccuracies cause improper platelet concentrations in the final product
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a platelet concentration monitoring system that continuously measures the concentration of platelet concentrate during collection. The controller receives this feedback and automatically adjusts pump flow rates to maintain the desired target concentration, resolving the contradiction between automation and precision by using real-time feedback control to compensate for pump inaccuracies
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters (pump flow rates) based on measured platelet concentration. When concentration deviates from the target, the controller modifies the flow parameters to correct the deviation, enabling automated collection while maintaining precise concentration control despite pump variations
2Productivity
If the system collects platelet concentrate at high concentration, then the collection efficiency is improved, but the final product volume is insufficient for therapeutic use
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary concentration of platelets during the collection phase, then subsequently dilutes the concentrate with plasma or additive solution to achieve the final therapeutic volume and concentration. This two-stage approach (concentration followed by dilution) allows efficient collection while ensuring adequate final product volume
Solution Approach 2:
The platelet collection process is divided into distinct phases: a concentration phase where platelets are collected at high concentration to maximize efficiency, and a dilution phase where plasma or additive solution is added to achieve the final therapeutic specifications. This segmentation allows optimization of each phase independently
3Device complexity
If the system uses a single separation stage, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to achieve precise target concentration is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic control of a single separation stage, where pump flow rates are continuously adjusted based on real-time concentration measurements. This dynamic parameter adjustment compensates for the simplicity of the separation stage, enabling precise target concentration achievement without increasing device 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
This approach allows for precise control of platelet concentration in the collected product, ensuring that the final product reaches the desired target concentration despite potential pump inaccuracies, by adjusting the concentration through the addition of plasma or additive solution.
Implementation Method 1
The centrifuge rotates the separation chamber of the disposable flow circuit during processing, causing the heavier (greater specific gravity) components of the whole blood in the separation chamber, such as red blood cells, to move radially outwardly away from the center of rotation toward the outer or 'high-G' wall of the separation chamber. The lighter (lower specific gravity) components, such as plasma, migrate toward the inner or 'low-G' wall of the separation chamber.
Implementation Method 2
This type of device employs relatively rotating surfaces, at least one or which carries a porous membrane. Typically, the device employs an outer stationary housing and an internal spinning rotor covered by a porous membrane. Blood is fed into an annular space or gap between the spinner and the shell. The blood moves along the longitudinal axis of the shell toward an exit region, with plasma passing through the membrane and out of the shell into a collection bag.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for collecting a platelet product having a target concentration. First and second target concentrations are first selected. Blood is then separated into red blood cells and platelet-rich plasma, with the platelet-rich plasma then being separated into platelet-poor plasma and platelet concentrate. At least a portion of the platelet concentrate is collected in a container as a platelet product having an actual platelet concentration, attempting to collect platelet concentrate having the first target concentration. After separation of the blood has been completed, at least a portion of the platelet-poor plasma and/or an additive solution is pumped into the container to decrease the concentration of the platelet product from the actual platelet concentration to the second target concentration.