Portable Organ Perfusion System with Segmented Two-Pump Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable perfusion systems face challenges in maintaining stable fluid flow and pressure control during organ preservation, particularly due to issues with filtration, air bubbles, and pressure differentials, which can lead to contamination and organ damage.
Innovation Solution
A two-pump system is employed, where filtration is performed upstream from the main pump regulating arterial pressure, using a reservoir with a venting mechanism to manage bubble expulsion and a Peltier semiconductor heat exchanger for temperature control, ensuring stable perfusion fluid flow and pressure management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filtration is performed upstream from the main pump, then contamination risk is reduced, but pressure differential control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the perfusion circuit into separate functional segments: a filtration segment upstream of the main pump and a pressure regulation segment downstream. This segmentation allows the filtration cartridge to handle contamination removal independently while the main pump focuses on pressure control, resolving the conflict between contamination risk reduction and pressure control difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
A bubble trap is introduced as an intermediary component between the filtration cartridge and the main pump. This bubble trap captures air bubbles generated during filter replacement or initialization, preventing them from entering the pump and causing pressure fluctuations. The intermediary bubble trap mediates the interaction between filtration and pressure control, allowing both functions to operate effectively.
2Reliability
If filter replacement is performed, then filtration efficiency is maintained, but air bubbles are introduced into the system
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful effect of air bubbles introduced during filter replacement into a beneficial outcome by directing them to a designated bubble trap. The bubble trap, positioned as an intermediary between filtration and the main pump, captures and holds air bubbles, preventing them from entering the organ perfusion circuit. This allows filter replacement to be performed regularly without compromising system safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The bubble trap is pre-positioned in the circuit upstream of the main pump, creating a predetermined pathway for air bubbles to be captured before they can cause harm. This preliminary arrangement of the bubble trap ensures that whenever filter replacement occurs and bubbles are introduced, they are automatically directed to the trap and neutralized before affecting the organ perfusion.
3Device complexity
If single-pump system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but pressure regulation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the perfusion function into two independent pumps: a filtration pump that handles fluid filtration and a main pump that handles pressure regulation. This segmentation allows each pump to specialize in its specific function, with the main pump providing precise pressure control to the organ while the filtration pump maintains filter efficiency. The segmentation resolves the trade-off between system simplicity and pressure regulation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The main pump is designed to perform multiple functions: it regulates arterial pressure to the organ, maintains overall circuit pressure, and compensates for pressure variations caused by filtration. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve precise pressure regulation without requiring an entirely separate pressure control system, balancing device complexity with performance requirements.
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 configuration provides improved regulation of arterial pressure and fluid flow, reducing the risk of contamination and organ damage, enabling extended organ preservation and transport.
Implementation Method 1
Peltier semiconductor heat exchanger for temperature control
Data Source
AI summary
A profusion system for a mammalian organ comprising a first and a second pump to propel perfusion fluid through one of a closed fluid circuit system and a selectively closeable fluid circuit system that includes an organ artery and an organ vein, a filter cartridge bank consisting of a plurality of filtration cartridges, and a first and a second fluid reservoir.