UV Sensor Recirculation Detection in Dialysis Shunts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting recirculation in dialysis systems are inadequate, leading to reduced dialysis effectiveness due to direct backflow of cleaned blood, which is not reliably detected and can result in undetected interference and require trained personnel and additional sensors.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a UV sensor to monitor the signal curve for recirculation detection, employing a UV light-emitting diode and photodetectors to convert detector values into absorbance values, with a system that calculates target curves and limit values to initiate warnings and prevent sudden recirculation changes, utilizing existing sensors in the dialysis machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If selective recirculation measurements are carried out at specific intervals, then the measurement can be performed with existing sensors, but interference between measurement intervals remains undetected and the treatment can be influenced by the selective measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring of the dialysate flow to detect recirculation events throughout the entire dialysis treatment. The sensor continuously measures parameters in the dialysate, allowing detection of recirculation at any point in time rather than only at selective intervals, ensuring uninterrupted monitoring capability
2Reliability
If additional sensors are installed for recirculation detection, then recirculation can be reliably detected, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes existing sensors in the dialysis machine that serve multiple functions - the same sensors are used for both routine dialysis monitoring and for detecting recirculation events. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for additional dedicated recirculation sensors, maintaining detection reliability while avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The existing sensor system in the dialysis machine is made to serve the additional function of recirculation detection without requiring separate dedicated sensors. The system uses its own existing measurement capabilities to detect recirculation, making the sensor infrastructure self-sufficient for multiple purposes
3Measurement precision
If trained personnel are required to initiate and accompany the measurement, then accurate measurements can be obtained, but the ease of operation is reduced and continuous monitoring cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs recirculation detection without requiring trained personnel to initiate or accompany measurements. The measurement system is self-activating and continuously operates autonomously, eliminating operator dependency while maintaining measurement precision through automated analysis of sensor data
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automated feedback through the existing machine interface, allowing continuous monitoring and detection of recirculation events without human intervention. The automated feedback mechanism maintains measurement accuracy by continuously analyzing sensor signals and comparing them against recirculation detection criteria
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 continuous online monitoring of recirculation, ensuring effective dialysis by detecting changes and preventing reductions in dialysis performance without the need for additional sensors or trained personnel, maintaining therapy effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A method and a device for detecting a recirculation in a shunt by monitoring a signal curve... a UV (ultraviolet) sensor can be used, for example... the current detector value determined by the sensor is converted into an absorbance value
Implementation Method 2
a UV sensor can also be used here... a light-emitting diode can be used as the light source, which emits a signal with a wavelength in the ultraviolet range
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The method involves using sensor (8,12,14,16) at outlet of dialyzer (7) for determining successive measurement values during the blood treatment. An action such as generation of visual and/or audible warning is initiated, while the measurement values is provided equal or above the threshold value. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a device for machine-side detection of blood recirculation or change in blood recirculation during operation of blood treatment machine; and (2) a computer program product for machine-side detection of blood recirculation or change in blood recirculation during operation of blood treatment machine.