Sorbent Effluent Analysis for Precision Dialysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dialysis systems lack the ability to adjust parameters in real-time based on a patient's physiological state, relying on infrequent blood analyses and manual processes, which are inefficient and ineffective in managing day-to-day variability in patient conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize sensors to monitor the total ammonia content and pH of the ammonium removal solution effluent from a zirconium phosphate sorbent module, allowing for the estimation of a patient's pre-dialysis BUN level and subsequent adjustment of dialysis parameters such as dialysate flow rate, blood flow rate, and bicarbonate addition profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If monthly blood analysis is used to determine dialysis adjustments, then cost and time are reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of physiological state assessment deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime for BUN measurementVSAvoidphysiological state assessment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary substance (ammonium removal solution) that interacts with the sorbent module to indirectly measure patient BUN levels. The solution passes through the sorbent module and its effluent properties reflect the patient's physiological state, providing real-time data without requiring direct blood sampling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual blood sampling and laboratory analysis system with an automated chemical sensing system. Sensors detect effluent properties (pH, ammonia content, conductivity) to determine BUN levels, eliminating the need for technician-operated blood gas analyzers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If fixed dialysis parameters are used for all sessions, then device complexity and operation are simplified, but adaptability to patient physiological state deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedialysis parameter settingVSAvoidresponse to patient physiological variability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback loop where effluent analysis from the sorbent module provides real-time information about patient BUN levels, which then feeds back to automatically adjust dialysis parameters for subsequent sessions. This creates a closed-loop system that adapts to patient needs while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from static, fixed dialysis parameters to dynamic, adjustable parameters that change in response to real-time physiological data. The system automatically modifies dialysate flow rate, blood flow rate, and session duration based on measured BUN levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If manual blood sampling and analysis is performed, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but productivity and automation capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBUN level determination accuracyVSAvoidfrequency of physiological monitoring

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the dialysis system to self-monitor and self-adjust without requiring external laboratory services. The automated effluent analysis and parameter adjustment system performs what previously required manual blood sampling and laboratory analysis, increasing monitoring frequency and eliminating technician dependency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of blood sampling and laboratory analysis with an automated electronic sensing and data processing system. Sensors continuously monitor effluent properties and a processor automatically determines BUN levels and adjusts parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 precision and personalized dialysis therapy by allowing real-time adjustments based on the patient's current physiological state, improving the effectiveness and efficiency of dialysis sessions.

Implementation Method 1

introducing an ammonium removal solution through a zirconium phosphate sorbent module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Data Source

PatentUS20250161546A1Precision dialysis therapy based on sorbent effluent analysis

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 MOZARC MEDICAL US LLC

AI summary

The invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for preforming a precision dialysis therapy session based on an analysis of an effluent from a zirconium phosphate sorbent module during an ammonium removal process. The settings for the precision dialysis therapy session can be obtained by estimating a patient's physiological state, such as BUN level, based on the analysis of the effluent for a particular sorbent module linked to a particular patient.