Portable Ultrafiltration Device with Intelligent Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrafiltration devices for excess liquid removal in patients with kidney or heart failure are inefficient and lack control, posing safety risks due to their large size and inability to manage fluid extraction quickly and safely.
Innovation Solution
A portable ultrafiltration device with a blood circuit, peristaltic pump, electronic safety block, ultrafiltration pressure sensor, solenoid valve, and intelligent central unit powered by a rechargeable battery, which controls the extraction process, detects air, and calculates the extracted volume to prevent over-extraction, ensuring safe and controlled fluid removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultrafiltration is performed using large machines in a hospital environment, then the ultrafiltration efficiency is sufficient, but the device complexity and portability are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a portable pump unit for blood circulation, a hemofilter unit for filtration, a control unit for monitoring, and a battery pack for power. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system functionality and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates nested structures where smaller components are integrated within larger ones. The hemofilter is positioned within the blood circuit pathway, the control unit is integrated with the pump mechanism, and the battery pack is housed within the overall device structure, minimizing total device volume while maintaining all necessary functions.
2Ease of operation
If miniaturization of ultrafiltration machines is attempted, then portability is improved, but the safety and control capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates multiple sensors that continuously monitor blood flow rate, ultrafiltration rate, and patient vital signs. This feedback is transmitted to the control unit, which automatically adjusts pump speed and filtration parameters to maintain safe operating conditions. The system provides real-time monitoring and alerting to both the patient and healthcare providers.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary assessments of patient condition before initiating ultrafiltration, establishes baseline parameters, and pre-configures safety thresholds. The system is pre-programmed with standard protocols and can automatically adjust based on real-time measurements, ensuring safe operation from the start of treatment.
3Ease of operation
If the ultrafiltration process is initiated without volume control, then the treatment simplicity is maintained, but the risk of over-extraction and shock increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the volume of fluid extracted through ultrasonic sensors that measure the size of the collection reservoir. When the predetermined volume is reached or safety thresholds are approached, the system automatically stops the ultrafiltration process and alerts the user, preventing over-extraction and potential shock.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces manual volume monitoring and calculation with electronic sensors and automated control systems. Ultrasonic sensors automatically detect fluid volume in the collection reservoir, and the control unit processes this data to determine when to stop filtration, eliminating the need for manual measurement and reducing human error.
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 allows for efficient, controlled, and safe ultrafiltration, reducing the risk of shock and enabling portable treatment, lowering healthcare costs, and improving cardiovascular prognosis by minimizing hospitalizations and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a peristaltic pump having rollers intended to convey the blood into the blood circuit
Implementation Method 2
The negative pressure generated by the suction bellows is transmitted through the connection tube and causes the ultrafiltration of the blood through the fibers of the hemofilter
Implementation Method 3
passes through the hemofilter to come back to the vascular access via the venous line
Data Source
AI summary
A portable ultrafiltration device having a suction bellows connected to a tube, passing through a solenoid valve, to a first dialysate connector of a hemofilter incorporated into a blood circuit having arterial lines, extending from a vascular access and passing through a peristaltic pump, and venous lines passing through an electronic safety block to the vascular access, and a second dialysate connector connected to an ultrafiltration pressure sensor. The elements of the portable ultrafiltration device are connected and controlled by an intelligent central unit powered by a rechargeable battery. Liquid collects in the space surrounding the fibres and in the suction bellows until the space is completely full.