Endocrine Function Apparatus With Tunable Filtration Membranes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood purification systems require dialysate filters, dialysis fluid, replacement fluid, anticoagulation, and blood pumps, and lack a fully integrated, possibly implantable device that can function continuously without these components, and there is no technology to generate membranes with tunable micro or nano porosity and physiologic thickness for biologic tissue scaffolds.
Innovation Solution
Development of an integrated adaptive biologic blood purification (IABBP) device using biocompatible membranes with tunable thickness and pore size, connected to the patient's vascular system for blood purification without extrinsic fluids or mechanical pumps, and manufactured by creating a scaffold repopulated with cells to form functional tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hemodialysis systems are used, then blood purification function is achieved, but device complexity and dependency on multiple external components (dialysate filters, dialysis fluid, anticoagulation systems, blood pumps) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate blood purification functions (filtration, dialysis, anticoagulation, pumping) into a single integrated device. The implantable blood purification device incorporates a filter element, dialysis chamber, anticoagulant reservoir, and pump mechanism all within one unit, eliminating the need for multiple external components and connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The single blood purification device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it filters blood through the filter element, provides dialysis through the dialysis chamber, prevents clotting via the anticoagulant system, and maintains flow using the integrated pump. This multi-functional design replaces several separate medical devices with one universal solution.
2Reliability
If dialysate filters and dialysis fluid are used in conventional systems, then toxin removal is achieved, but loss of substance (fluid and materials) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blood purification device utilizes the patient's own body fluids and physiological systems to perform part of the purification function. The device is designed to work with the patient's natural blood flow and pressure gradients, reducing or eliminating the need for large volumes of external dialysis fluid and replacement fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The device recycles and reuses components of the purification system. The filter element and other components are designed for repeated use rather than single-use disposal, and the system minimizes waste by efficiently utilizing the dialysis fluid and anticoagulant solutions throughout their service life.
3Reliability
If biologic tissue scaffolds are used for artificial organs, then functional architecture is achieved, but manufacturing precision of membranes with tunable porosity and thickness is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs methods to precisely control membrane fabrication parameters including porosity, pore size, thickness, and material composition. By adjusting manufacturing conditions such as crosslinking degree, polymer concentration, and processing parameters, the device achieves the specific structural characteristics needed for effective blood purification while maintaining biocompatibility.
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
The IABBP device effectively removes toxins and excess water from the circulation, mimicking kidney and liver functions, and can be used extracorporeal or implanted, providing continuous or intermittent treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a filtration segment configured to provide ultrafiltration producing a primary ultrafiltrate
Implementation Method 2
membrane comprising a vascular surface and a filtration surface... tunable micro or nano porosity
Implementation Method 3
a tubular segment configured to provide reabsorption producing a secondary ultrafiltrate
Implementation Method 4
diffusion of gases (lung), secretion and absorption of electrolytes and other molecules (kidney, gut, liver, enteric tissue)
Implementation Method 5
a ductal segment configured to provide concentration producing a tertiary ultrafiltrate
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are apparatus and methods for blood and other biological fluid purification using a membrane with cell containing vascular channel systems and filtration channel systems. Also disclosed are methods of making the apparatus as well as methods of making membranes.