Single-Container Peritoneal Dialysis Fluid Preparation On Demand
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing peritoneal dialysis systems require significant storage space and handling of multiple pre-mixed dialysis fluid formulations, which can freeze in cold weather, posing a burden on patients.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a single container with solid or highly concentrated liquid components to generate peritoneal dialysis fluid, incorporating a water source, purification module, mixing element, and control system to produce the fluid on demand, reducing storage needs and handling complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pre-mixed peritoneal dialysis fluid is used, then the fluid is ready for immediate use, but storage space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the peritoneal dialysis fluid into separate components: a concentrate container with highly concentrated solution and a separate water container. This segmentation allows the concentrated form to be stored in small volumes while still enabling preparation of the full required volume of dialysis fluid when water is added during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of the stored fluid from normal dialysis concentration to highly concentrated form. This parameter change reduces the storage volume dramatically while maintaining the ability to prepare the correct concentration of dialysis fluid through controlled dilution with water during use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple peritoneal dialysis fluid formulations are stored, then all needed formulations are available, but handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single universal concentrate container that can prepare multiple different peritoneal dialysis fluid formulations by varying the water-to-concentrate ratio and adding different additives. This replaces the need to store and handle multiple separate formulated solutions, reducing handling complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple formulation preparation functions into a single container system. By merging the storage and preparation functions into one unit that can generate different formulations on demand, the system eliminates the need to manage multiple separate fluid sources and their associated handling requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If pre-mixed peritoneal dialysis fluid is stored, then sufficient fluid is available for treatment, but freezing risk increases in cold weather
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter by heating the concentrate container during use, maintaining the fluid above freezing temperature. This parameter change prevents freezing while storing the highly concentrated fluid, which has lower freezing point than dilute solutions, thereby eliminating the freezing risk associated with stored pre-mixed fluids.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary heating to the concentrate container before and during use, ensuring the fluid remains above freezing temperature. This preliminary thermal action prevents freezing from occurring in the first place, protecting the stored highly concentrated fluid from cold weather conditions.
4Quantity of substance
If large dialysate containers are used, then sufficient fluid volume is provided, but patient burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fluid storage into two separate containers: a small concentrate container and a water container. This segmentation reduces the size of each individual container compared to a single large dialysate container, making them easier for patients to handle while still providing sufficient total fluid volume when combined.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static storage of large pre-mixed containers to a dynamic preparation system where fluid is generated on-demand by combining concentrate and water. This dynamic approach allows patients to use smaller, more manageable containers that are easily replaced and handled, reducing the physical burden while maintaining adequate fluid supply.
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
Minimizes storage requirements and eliminates freezing issues by generating peritoneal dialysis fluid efficiently from a single container, enhancing patient convenience and reducing logistical burdens.
Implementation Method 1
a water purification module between the water source and the dialysate container
Implementation Method 2
a water purification module between the water source and the dialysate container
Implementation Method 3
the mixing element can be a venturi tube in an inlet of the dialysate container
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to systems and methods for generation and use of peritoneal dialysis fluid. The peritoneal dialysis fluid is generated by dissolving solids or diluting concentrated liquids in a single container having all components of the final peritoneal dialysis fluid.