PRP Separator-Concentrator with Multi-Stage Centrifugation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) concentrates do not adequately combine enhanced platelet levels with significant fibrinogen concentrations that have not been denatured, lacking both tissue sealant and hemostatic properties needed for certain surgical applications.
Innovation Solution
A PRP separator-concentrator device that includes a housing with a PRP separation assembly and a concentration assembly, utilizing centrifugation and desiccated beads to produce a PRP concentrate with elevated platelet and fibrinogen levels, maintaining the fibrinogen in an undenatured state, and incorporating a valve assembly for efficient separation and concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional centrifugation methods are used to prepare PRP concentrates, then platelet concentration is enhanced, but fibrinogen becomes denatured and loses its tissue sealant properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centrifugation process into multiple sequential stages with different rotational speeds. The first stage (300-500 rpm for 5-10 minutes) separates erythrocytes from plasma while keeping platelets suspended. The second stage (1000-2000 rpm for 10-15 minutes) concentrates platelets in the plasma layer without subjecting fibrinogen to excessive mechanical stress that would occur in single-stage high-speed centrifugation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of centrifugal force by varying rotational speeds across different processing stages. This dynamic approach allows optimization of separation efficiency at each stage while protecting fibrinogen structure from denaturation that would result from continuous high-speed centrifugation.
2Speed
If single-stage high-speed centrifugation is used, then separation speed is improved, but fibrinogen denaturation occurs and tissue sealant properties are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic centrifugation with two distinct phases: a low-speed phase (300-500 rpm) for initial erythrocyte separation, followed by a medium-speed phase (1000-2000 rpm) for platelet concentration. This periodic action achieves thorough separation while maintaining fibrinogen integrity through controlled mechanical stress exposure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple processing steps are used to maintain fibrinogen integrity, then fibrinogen stability is improved, but preparation time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines erythrocyte separation and platelet concentration into a single integrated centrifugation device with programmable multi-speed operation. This merging of functions into one device achieves multiple processing objectives without requiring separate equipment, thereby maintaining fibrinogen stability while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The centrifugation device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both erythrocyte separation and platelet concentration through programmable speed variations. This universal design allows the same device to execute multiple processing steps that preserve fibrinogen integrity without requiring specialized equipment for each function.
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 effectively produces a PRP concentrate with enhanced platelet levels and undenatured fibrinogen, providing both sealant and hemostatic properties, improving wound healing and surgical outcomes by combining the benefits of elevated platelet concentrations with the integrity of fibrinogen.
Implementation Method 1
Under the influence of gravity or centrifugal force, blood spontaneously separates into three layers
Implementation Method 2
The concentration assembly has a PRP concentration sump
Data Source
AI summary
A PRP separator-concentrator comprising a housing, a separation assembly, and a concentration assembly. The concentration assembly has a concentration sump. An axially concentric rigid stationary outlet tube is secured to the housing and extends through the separation assembly to the sump. The separation assembly is attached to and positioned above the concentration assembly to form a combined separator-concentrator assemblage that is rotatable about the outlet tube. The separation assembly includes a separation chamber lined with a depth filter having pores and passageways that are sized to receive and entrap erythrocytes during centrifuging. The concentration chamber has a floor for supporting desiccated beads and a wall with at least one opening closed with a screen. The concentrator can have a distribution of upright screen supports, the upright screen supports having an inner surface and an outer surface, the cylindrical screen being supported on the outer surface of the upright screen supports. A stationary bead rake can be secured to the stationary tube and extend outward therefrom, the rake having distal ends that are spaced at a distance from the upright screen supports. The rake can comprise a longitudinal body, the center of which is secured to the rigid outlet tube. The separator-concentrator includes a valve assembly connecting the separation chamber and the concentration chamber. PRP concentrate is produced by contacting PRP with desiccated beads while the beads are stirred with a stationary rake, and rotating the concentration chamber at centrifugal speeds to separate PRP concentrate from the beads.