Pressurized Dialysis Chamber for Faster APD Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) machines are cumbersome, costly, and require significant daily setup time and effort, with disposable sets contributing to storage issues and high expenses.
Innovation Solution
An APD machine utilizing a pressure chamber, which can be rigid or disposable, with a heating plate, and a pressurization device to manage fluid flow through a disposable container, using a motive fluid system for precise control and a control unit for automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional automated peritoneal dialysis machines are used, then dialysis treatment can be performed automatically, but the machines are cumbersome and require significant daily setup time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the dialysis machine into modular components: a reusable control unit with pressurization device and a disposable fluid container assembly. This segmentation allows the complex automated functions to be concentrated in a single reusable unit while the disposable portion remains simple, reducing overall perceived complexity and setup effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable fluid container is pre-assembled with all necessary fluid pathways, connections, and dialysis solution before use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex setup procedures during each dialysis session, as the user simply needs to attach the pre-prepared container to the control unit.
2Extent of automation
If traditional automated peritoneal dialysis machines are used, then dialysis treatment can be performed automatically, but significant daily setup time and effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable fluid container is pre-filled and pre-configured with all necessary components before use. This eliminates the time-consuming tasks of filling, connecting, and configuring during each dialysis session, reducing setup time to merely attaching the pre-prepared container to the control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs disposable fluid containers that are single-use items. These containers come pre-prepared and are discarded after one use, eliminating the need for complex cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance procedures that would otherwise consume significant time and effort with reusable systems.
3Reliability
If disposable sets are used in traditional APD machines, then hygiene and contamination are reduced, but storage issues and high expenses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable fluid container is designed to nest within or attach to the reusable control unit during operation. This nested arrangement minimizes the space required for storage and handling, as the disposable component fits efficiently within the footprint of the reusable unit rather than requiring separate storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses disposable containers that are discarded after single use, eliminating contamination risks. However, the reusable control unit is designed to be recovered and reused across multiple patients or sessions, reducing overall waste. The modular design allows the expensive reusable components to be recovered and reused while only the inexpensive disposable portions are discarded.
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 system provides a compact, cost-effective, and efficient APD machine that reduces setup time, minimizes waste, and ensures accurate fluid management with a reusable or disposable setup.
Implementation Method 1
pressurize the pressure chamber on the outside of the flexible container to a desired positive or negative pressure used to push fluid out of the flexible container or pull fluid into the flexible container
Implementation Method 2
A lower or bottom portion of the pressure chamber may be fitted with a heating plate, e.g., a resistive heating plate, which heats the disposable bag during patient dwells and while it is filling and emptying fresh dialysis fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A peritoneal dialysis system and method are disclosed. The peritoneal dialysis system includes a pressure chamber and a flexible container located within the pressure chamber. The peritoneal dialysis system also includes a motive fluid cylinder, a piston located within the motive fluid cylinder, and a linear actuator configured to extend and retract the piston. The peritoneal dialysis system further includes at least one motive fluid valve for opening and closing a pressure chamber passage and a vent passage. Additionally, the peritoneal dialysis system includes a control unit in operable communication with the linear actuator and the at least one motive fluid valve. The control unit is configured to perform at least one of a negative pressure sequence and/or a positive pressure sequence for pumping peritoneal dialysis fluid.