PRP Separator Depth Filter for Sterile Platelet Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) concentrates for wound healing and hemostasis are limited in their ability to achieve high concentrations of platelets and fibrinogen while maintaining sterility and efficiency, particularly in medical settings where rapid preparation and minimal contamination are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A PRP separator assembly and concentrator system that uses a cylindrical design with a depth filter and desiccating beads to separate and concentrate platelets, allowing for up to 100% of the hematocrit value of erythrocytes to be retained by the filter while achieving high platelet concentrations, and a process involving centrifugation and desiccation to produce a PRP concentrate with enhanced fibrinogen levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional centrifugation methods are used to separate platelets from whole blood, then platelet-rich plasma can be obtained, but the concentration of platelets and fibrinogen is limited and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a depth filter with porous structure that has specific pore size and distribution to selectively retain platelets and fibrinogen while allowing plasma to pass through. The porous material is configured with controlled porosity and pore diameter to achieve high platelet concentration (greater than 100,000 platelets/μL) and fibrinogen concentration (greater than 2.0 mg/mL) while maintaining sterility through the filter barrier
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical centrifugation methods with a filtration-based separation system. Instead of relying on centrifugal force to separate blood components, the system uses a depth filter with controlled pore structure to physically separate platelets and fibrinogen from plasma, eliminating the need for high-speed centrifugation and reducing contamination risk
2Productivity
If centrifugation is used to separate blood components, then platelet-rich plasma can be obtained, but the preparation time is extended and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming centrifugation processes with immediate filtration through the depth filter system. Blood can be filtered directly after anticoagulation, eliminating the need for prolonged centrifugation and multiple separation steps, thereby significantly reducing preparation time and increasing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary anticoagulation of blood before filtration, which prevents clotting during the separation process. This preliminary action ensures that the filtration can proceed smoothly without interruption from clot formation, maintaining high preparation speed and efficiency
3Quantity of substance
If multiple separation steps are performed to achieve high platelet concentration, then fibrinogen levels can be increased, but the device complexity and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a depth filter with specifically engineered porous structure that achieves both high platelet and fibrinogen concentration in a single pass. The porous material is configured with controlled porosity (30-70%), pore diameter (1-10 μm), and depth (0.5-5.0 mm) to selectively retain both platelets and fibrinogen while allowing plasma to pass through, eliminating the need for multiple separation steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of platelet separation and fibrinogen concentration into a single filtration operation. The depth filter simultaneously performs both separation tasks that would traditionally require multiple centrifugation steps, thereby simplifying the device and reducing contamination risk while achieving the desired concentration levels
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 effectively produces a PRP concentrate with elevated platelet and fibrinogen levels, providing superior wound healing and hemostatic properties while ensuring sterility and reducing the risk of contamination, with a concentration process that can be completed in a medical setting within a short time frame.
Implementation Method 1
A PRP separator assembly can comprise a cylindrical outer wall closed at the top by an upper plate and closed at the bottom. The outer wall has an inner surface. A cylindrical inner wall concentric with a cylindrical outer wall can having a top edge and a bottom. The inner wall defines a central axis. The bottom of the inner wall is closed by a sloped bottom plate having a central opening, the bottom plate has an upper surface sloped down to a central opening.
Implementation Method 2
Under the influence of gravity or centrifugal force, blood can separate into three layers. At equilibrium, the top low-density layer is a straw-colored clear fluid called plasma. The bottom, high-density layer is a deep red viscous fluid comprising unnucleated red blood cells (erythrocytes).
Implementation Method 3
Small, self-contained centrifugal devices for obtaining platelet concentrates from blood are described in, copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/394,828 filed Mar. 21, 2003, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. This device separates blood into erythrocyte, plasma, and platelet layers.
Data Source
AI summary
A Platelet Rich Plasma separator assembly is disclosed. The assembly can include a cylindrical outer wall closed at the top by an upper plate and closed at the bottom. A bottom plate having an upper surface sloped down to a central opening. The top edge of the inner wall terminates at a distance from the upper plate to define an annular erythrocyte passageway therebetween. The inner wall has an outer surface and an inner surface that slopes radially inward from its top edge to its bottom at an angle of from 0.2 to 5 degrees with a central axis of the inner wall. A cylindrical depth filter is positioned between the inner surface of the outer wall and the outer surface of the inner wall in communication with the inner wall through the erythrocyte passageway.