Disposable Pump Cassette for Automated Peritoneal Dialysis Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and size of existing automated peritoneal dialysis machines and associated disposables have hindered widespread patient acceptance of automated peritoneal dialysis as an alternative to manual methods, necessitating improvements in fluid handling systems for enhanced patient convenience and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A disposable fluid handling cassette with integrated pump chambers, flowpaths, and a flexible membrane for automated connection of fluid lines, along with a cap stripper mechanism to automate line connections and minimize human interaction, reducing the risk of contamination and simplifying the setup process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated peritoneal dialysis machines are designed with integrated pump chambers and flowpaths, then automation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (pump chambers, flowpaths, connection mechanisms) into a single integrated disposable cassette. This merging approach enables automated fluid handling while consolidating complexity into a pre-assembled unit that simplifies the overall system architecture and user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides functionality between a reusable automated machine and a disposable cassette containing pump chambers and flowpaths. This segmentation allows the complex automated functions to be contained in the reusable portion while the disposable portion provides simplified, pre-configured fluid handling components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual connection of fluid lines is performed, then ease of operation is maintained, but risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cassette incorporates self-aligning and self-connecting features for fluid lines, including tapered spikes that automatically guide and secure line connections. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for manual manipulation, thereby minimizing contamination risk while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid lines and connection points are pre-sterilized and pre-configured during cassette manufacturing. Connection ports are pre-positioned and pre-aligned to facilitate automatic or semi-automatic connection, reducing the need for manual handling and minimizing contamination opportunities.
3Ease of manufacture
If disposable cassettes with integrated components are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump chambers are formed using flexible membranes that can be molded into complex three-dimensional shapes within the disposable cassette. This approach enables integrated pump and flowpath structures to be manufactured as single-piece components, simplifying assembly while achieving complex fluid handling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses disposable cassettes with integrated pump chambers and flowpaths that are manufactured as single-use units. This approach allows complex integrated structures to be produced cost-effectively through molding and forming processes, and eliminates the need for complex assembly and sterilization procedures required for reusable components.
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 solution enables efficient, automated, and contamination-minimized fluid handling in peritoneal dialysis systems, enhancing patient convenience and reducing the complexity of machine operation, thereby increasing patient acceptance of automated peritoneal dialysis.
Implementation Method 1
a pump chamber formed as a depression in a first side of the body... a flexible membrane attached to the first side of the body over the pump chamber... the membrane having a pump chamber portion with an unstressed shape that generally conforms to the pump chamber depression
Data Source
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AI summary
A dialysate delivery set comprising: a fluid handling cassette for use in a peritoneal dialysis system, the cassette comprising: a generally planar body having a first and a second pump chamber formed as a depression in a first side of the body and having a first and a second opening fluidly connected to first and second channels, respectively; a patient line port arranged for connection to a patient line for delivering dialysate to the peritoneal cavity of a patient, the patient line port being in fluid communication with the first and second pump chambers via the second channel; a drain line port arranged for connection to a drain line for draining dialysate from the peritoneal cavity of a patient, the drain line port being in fluid communication with the first and second chambers via the first channel; a heater bag line port arranged for connection to a heater bag line, the heater bag line port in fluid communication with the first and second pump chambers via the first channel; a plurality of solution line spikes being in fluid communication with the first and second pump chambers via the first channel; and a flexible membrane attached to the first side of the body over the first and second pump chambers, a pump chamber portion of the membrane over the first and second pump chambers being arranged to be movable for movement of fluid in the pump chambers; the patient line fluidly connected to the patient line port; the drain line fluidly connected to the drain line port; and a heater bag and the heater bag line fluidly connected to the heater bag line port.