Reciprocating Pressure Perfusion Without Mechanical Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional perfusion systems for organs or tissues outside the body are bulky and heavy due to the use of mechanical pumps, which occupy a large volume and are cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A perfusion system utilizing two flexible fluid reservoirs that alternately pressurize and depressurize to circulate perfusate without the need for a conventional pump, using a directional control valve and one-way check valves to manage fluid flow between the reservoirs and the target tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional mechanical pump is used to circulate perfusate, then fluid flow can be regulated and controlled, but the system becomes bulky and heavy, occupying a large volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pump function entirely from the system by using the elastic reservoirs themselves to generate fluid flow through their expansion and contraction cycles. The reservoirs' elastic properties replace the need for a separate mechanical pump, eliminating the bulky pumping mechanism while maintaining fluid circulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic reservoirs serve multiple functions: they store perfusate, generate pumping action through elastic deformation, and regulate flow patterns. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate components (reservoir + pump) into a single integrated system, reducing overall volume.
2Reliability
If a conventional mechanical pump is used to instigate and regulate fluid flow, then perfusion can be maintained, but the system becomes heavy and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump system with an elastic-mechanical system where the reservoirs' elastic properties generate the necessary pressure and flow. This substitution eliminates heavy mechanical pumping components while maintaining reliable perfusion through the elastic expansion and contraction of the reservoirs.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic reservoirs are self-regulating, using their own elastic properties to generate and control fluid flow without requiring external mechanical pumping. The system serves itself by utilizing the inherent elastic characteristics of the reservoir materials to maintain perfusion.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If two fluid reservoirs operate in alternating fashion to pump fluid through tissue, then extended preservation is achieved without mechanical pumps, but the system complexity increases with multiple reservoirs and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic alternating expansion and contraction of the two elastic reservoirs to create continuous reciprocating fluid flow through the tissue. This periodic action enables extended preservation by maintaining consistent perfusion cycles without requiring complex continuous pumping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple reservoirs working in coordination with the flow control mechanisms into an integrated system. The alternating operation of the two reservoirs is synchronized through their elastic properties and connecting tubing, merging what could be separate complex control systems into a unified elastic-driven mechanism.
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
Enables efficient perfusion of organs or tissues without the bulk and weight of mechanical pumps, allowing for extended preservation by maintaining fluid circulation effectively.
Implementation Method 1
A first set of conditions can cause fluid contained in the first fluid reservoir to flow from the first fluid reservoir through the tissue to the second fluid reservoir, the first set of conditions can include a relatively higher pressure in the first fluid reservoir compared to a relatively lower pressure in the second fluid reservoir. A second set conditions can cause the fluid contained in the second fluid reservoir to flow from the second fluid reservoir through the tissue to the first fluid reservoir, the second set of conditions including a relatively higher pressure in the second fluid reservoir compared to a relatively lower pressure in the first fluid reservoir.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes a perfusion system (300) for preservation of an organ or vascular tissue outside the body, and associated methods. The system can include a first fluid reservoir (308), a second fluid reservoir (307), and a perfusion circuit. The perfusion circuit can include a first perfusion pathway to couple the first fluid reservoir to tissue (314), and a second perfusion pathway to couple the second fluid reservoir to the tissue. A first set of conditions can cause fluid contained in the first fluid reservoir to flow in a first antegrade direction from the first fluid reservoir through the tissue to the second fluid reservoir. A second set conditions can cause the perfusate fluid contained in the second fluid reservoir to flow in a second antegrade direction from the second fluid reservoir through the tissue to the first fluid reservoir.