Soft Cassette Bypass Lumen Layout for Continuous Apheresis Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
The apheresis process for blood component collection is lengthy and uncomfortable for donors due to the need for prolonged connection to specialized machines, necessitating a solution to enhance efficiency and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically separating blood components using a centrifuge assembly with a loop rotational position guide and fluid line loop arm, allowing for the continuous rotation of fluid lines and flexible loops, enabling the separation and return of unwanted components to the donor without stopping the centrifuge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If apheresis machine is used to separate blood components, then blood component collection is achieved, but donation time becomes lengthy and donor comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The centrifuge operates continuously throughout the entire donation process without stopping or restarting. The system maintains continuous rotation while automatically guiding loops and transitioning between blood draw and return phases, eliminating idle time and maintaining productive action throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning of loops and preparation of fluid pathways before the actual blood component separation begins. The automatic loop guidance system pre-positions components during the initial centrifuge rotation, ensuring readiness for immediate blood flow without interrupting the centrifugal force application.
2Productivity
If traditional apheresis process is used, then blood component separation is achieved, but donor comfort deteriorates due to prolonged connection
Solution Approach 1:
The centrifuge maintains continuous operation throughout the entire donation cycle, eliminating the need to stop and restart the machine. This continuous operation reduces the overall procedure time from over an hour to approximately 30 minutes, significantly improving donor comfort while maintaining collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically guides loops and manages fluid pathways without requiring manual intervention during the donation process. The automatic loop guidance system and integrated valve mechanisms handle transitions between blood draw and return phases autonomously, reducing procedural complexity and time.
3Reliability
If centrifuge is stopped and restarted during donation, then blood component separation can be controlled, but donation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centrifuge operates continuously without stopping or restarting during the entire donation process. The system maintains constant centrifugal force application while using automated loop guidance and valve control to manage blood flow direction, eliminating all interruptions and maintaining both reliability and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts fluid flow pathways and loop positions during continuous centrifuge operation. The automatic loop guidance system and integrated valves dynamically redirect blood flow between draw and return phases without altering the centrifuge rotation, maintaining separation control through dynamic flow management rather than operational interruptions.
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
Reduces donation time by approximately 30% and enhances donor comfort, increasing donation efficiency and productivity at centers, attracting more donors and improving revenue generation.
Implementation Method 1
A first common method includes obtaining whole blood donation from a donor. Once the whole blood is obtained a centrifugal process may be used to separate blood components from the whole blood, for example, based on the density of different the blood component.
Data Source
AI summary
A soft cassette includes a body including a flexible material and first and second component. The body defines first and second lumens and first and second chambers. The first lumen extends between first and second ends. The first chamber is in the first lumen such that fluid passing through the first lumen passes through the first chamber. The second lumen is fluidly connected to the first lumen at a first junction between the first end and the first chamber and a second junction between the second end and the first chamber such that fluid passing through the second lumen bypasses the first chamber. The second chamber is in the second lumen. The first component is on a first side of the second chamber and includes a first ferromagnetic metal or magnet. The second component is on a second side of the second chamber and includes a second ferromagnetic metal magnet.