Single-Cassette CRRT Fluid Path Control for Simpler Dialysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing renal replacement therapies, such as continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), require complex, bulky equipment that necessitate specialized training and intervention by healthcare personnel, limiting their use to intensive care settings and complicating patient care.

Innovation Solution

A single cassette system integrated with a dialysis device for performing various renal replacement techniques, including SCUF, CWH, CVVHD, CVVHDF, and TPE, which simplifies operation, reduces operator errors, automates treatments, and allows use without specialized staff, using three main pumps and a controller to manage fluid paths and valves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional renal replacement therapy equipment is used, then treatment functionality is provided, but device complexity and bulkiness increase, requiring specialized training and limiting use to intensive care settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different care settingsVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into modular components including a reusable pump unit and disposable patient modules, allowing the complex functionality to be segmented into manageable parts that can be used in different care settings without requiring full complex equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pump unit is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple renal replacement therapies (hemodialysis, hemofiltration, hemodiafiltration) by simply changing the patient module, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pump systems are used to provide comprehensive renal replacement therapy, then treatment versatility is improved, but device complexity and operator requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment versatilityVSAvoidoperator requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A single pump unit is designed to perform all renal replacement therapy functions (hemodialysis, hemofiltration, hemodiafiltration) by controlling fluid flow through different disposable patient modules, eliminating the need for multiple specialized pump systems and reducing operator training requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Disposable patient modules are used instead of complex reusable systems for each therapy type, allowing treatment versatility while simplifying operation since the disposable modules are pre-configured and require no specialized assembly or maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex equipment with multiple consumables is used, then comprehensive treatment capability is achieved, but ease of operation decreases and specialized training is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment capabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The disposable patient modules are designed to be self-contained and self-configuring, automatically connecting to the pump unit and requiring no specialized assembly or programming by the operator, thereby maintaining comprehensive treatment capability while dramatically improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The complexity of different therapy configurations is extracted into separate disposable patient modules, allowing the main pump unit to remain simple and easy to operate while still providing comprehensive treatment capability through module selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4098290B1Device for treating blood outside the body
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 DEBIOTECH SA
  • EP4098290B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4098290B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4098290B1 patent drawingFigure 5~5'

AI summary

The invention relates to a blood processing system comprising a single cassette capable of performing the various CRRT treatments.