Portable Artificial Diuresis Device with Segmented Disposable Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current diuresis methods, including pharmacological treatments and traditional ultrafiltration equipment, are inadequate for effectively managing fluid overload in clinical situations, as they are either ineffective or pose risks due to complexity and require specialized settings, limiting their use and effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A portable, safe artificial diuresis device that reduces the volume of extracorporeal blood, incorporating a reusable machine and disposable unit with integrated filtering and measurement systems, allowing for self-administration and use in various settings without the need for specialized staff.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional ultrafiltration equipment is used, then fluid removal effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid removal effectivenessVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into a reusable machine portion and a disposable unit portion. The disposable unit contains the filtering assembly and blood reservoir, separating complex components that need sterilization from those that can be reused, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ultrafiltration effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A disposable unit is introduced containing the filtering assembly and blood reservoir. This allows the complex filtering components to be discarded after single use, eliminating the need for complex sterilization systems and making the overall device simpler and more portable while maintaining effective fluid removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Productivity

If traditional ultrafiltration equipment is used, then fluid removal effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid removal effectivenessVSAvoidease of administration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed to be worn by the patient on their body, allowing self-administration of the therapy. The portable design with integrated pump and filtering assembly enables patients to perform ultrafiltration treatments independently without requiring specialized medical staff or hospital settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If high volume extracorporeal blood is used, then ultrafiltration effectiveness is improved, but patient safety is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveultrafiltration effectivenessVSAvoidblood loss risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blood reservoir is pre-filled with saline solution before connection to the patient. This preliminary action primes the system and ensures that when the pump operates, blood is drawn into the reservoir gradually rather than creating large volumes of extracorporeal blood circulation, thereby reducing the risk of blood loss while maintaining effective ultrafiltration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 device enables safe and effective ultrafiltration in any setting, including home use, with reduced risk of blood loss and the ability to manage fluid overload continuously, progressively, and adjustably, facilitating prolonged treatments without the need for specialized medical staff.

Implementation Method 1

a peristaltic pump (12) for circulation of the organic liquid through the disposable unit (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPeristalsis: Peristalsis

Implementation Method 2

a filtering unit (5) for separation of an ultra-filtered liquid (LU) from the treated organic liquid (Lh2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrafiltration: Semipermeable Membrane

Data Source

PatentEP4277675B1Artificial diuresis device
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 AB MEDICA SPA
  • EP4277675B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4277675B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4277675B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An artificial diuresis device wearable by a patient (H) and comprising a reusable machine (2) and a disposable unit (3); wherein said disposable unit (3) is completely filled, before use, with treatment liquid (Lt).