PRP Extraction Device with Adjustable Motion and Diverter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for collecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from whole blood are inefficient, as they struggle to separate and extract PRP without also extracting platelet-poor plasma (PPP) or red blood cells, making it difficult to achieve high platelet concentrations for clinical applications.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize centrifugation to separate whole blood into layers, followed by an extractor with adjustable motion ranges and a diverter system to precisely extract PRP, ensuring minimal contamination from PPP and red blood cells, thereby achieving a high platelet concentration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If current methods are used to collect PRP from whole blood, then the collection process is simple, but the platelet concentration achieved is low due to contamination with PPP and red blood cells

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatelet concentration purityVSAvoidextraction device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction device is segmented into multiple functional components: a piston for fluid displacement, a needle for access, and a diverter mechanism with valve for flow direction control. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component to achieve precise PRP extraction while maintaining manageable overall complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The diverter acts as an intermediary component between the extractor and collection containers. It receives fluid from the extractor and directs it to either the PPP container or PRP container based on the extraction phase, enabling precise control over which component is collected without requiring complex direct routing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the extractor moves through a fixed range of motion, then the device operation is simple, but it cannot precisely target the PRP layer boundary to avoid contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction endpoint accuracyVSAvoidextractor motion control

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The extractor motion system transitions from a fixed static range to a dynamic adjustable range. The adjustable range of motion mechanism allows the operator to set the extraction endpoint based on the actual position of the PRP layer boundary, enabling precise targeting while maintaining ease of operation through a user-friendly adjustment interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of extractor travel distance from a fixed value to an adjustable value. By allowing operators to modify the range of motion parameter according to the specific blood sample characteristics and desired PRP yield, the system achieves precise extraction endpoint control without complicating the basic operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If PPP and PRP are extracted simultaneously, then the extraction process is fast, but the platelet concentration in the collected sample is reduced due to PPP contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction speedVSAvoidplatelet concentration purity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction process is divided into periodic phases: first the PPP extraction phase where the diverter directs flow to the PPP container, then the PRP extraction phase where the diverter switches to direct flow to the PRP container. This periodic action allows rapid sequential extraction of both components while maintaining high purity in each collected fraction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The extraction process maintains continuous useful action by extracting both PPP and PRP in uninterrupted sequence without requiring removal or repositioning of the extractor between phases. The diverter simply switches flow direction while the extractor continues moving, maximizing productivity while ensuring purity through controlled flow separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful 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 method and device effectively isolate PRP with a concentration 4-5 times higher than base whole blood, facilitating its use in clinical applications for wound healing and hemostasis by ensuring a continuous and controlled extraction process.

Implementation Method 1

separating the whole blood into layers through centrifugation with an upper layer containing platelet poor plasma (PPP) and a PRP layer below the upper layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentUS10518275B2Methods and devices for collecting separate components of whole blood

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 DEPUY SYNTHES PROD INC

AI summary

A method provides for procuring platelet rich plasma (PRP) from a sample of whole blood in a vial. The method includes the steps of: separating the whole blood into layers through centrifugation with an upper layer containing platelet poor plasma (PPP) and a PRP layer below the upper layer containing PRP; adjusting an end point of a first range of motion of an extractor relative to a position of the PRP layer; moving the extractor through the first range of motion through the vial, PPP passing out from the upper layer through the extractor; and after the extractor reaches the end point of the first range of motion, extracting the PRP through the extractor and collecting the PRP.