Variable Bicarbonate Dialysate Preparation via Segmented Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current dialysis fluids have fixed bicarbonate concentrations, which fail to accommodate individual patient needs, leading to inadequate management of metabolic acidosis and potential medical complications, as the bicarbonate level varies with nutritional and disease states.

Innovation Solution

A three-component dialysate system comprising sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and electrolyte components, where the ratio of these components is adjusted during dialysis to maintain constant trace metal ion concentrations and flexibly change bicarbonate levels according to patient-specific conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed bicarbonate concentration dialysis fluid is used, then manufacturing and operation are simple, but adaptability to individual patient needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to individual patient needsVSAvoidcomplexity of dialysis fluid preparation system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dialysis fluid preparation system is segmented into multiple independent components: a first container for sodium chloride, a second container for sodium bicarbonate, and a mixing unit. This segmentation allows independent control and adjustment of each component's concentration and flow rate, enabling customization of bicarbonate concentration according to individual patient needs while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic adjustment capabilities by allowing the bicarbonate concentration to be changed during dialysis treatment. The mixing unit can vary the ratio of sodium chloride solution to sodium bicarbonate solution based on real-time patient conditions, transforming the static fixed-concentration system into a dynamic adaptable system that responds to individual patient requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If bicarbonate concentration is fixed, then manufacturing precision is easy to maintain, but adaptability to disease states deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to disease statesVSAvoidprecision of bicarbonate concentration control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables parameter changes by allowing the bicarbonate concentration to be adjusted according to different disease states and patient conditions. The mixing unit can modify the concentration parameters in real-time based on nutritional status, metabolic acidosis severity, and other clinical factors, transforming the fixed parameter system into a variable parameter system that adapts to diverse clinical scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If individualized dialysis fluid preparation is implemented, then treatment effectiveness improves, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of metabolic acidosis managementVSAvoidease of dialysis fluid preparation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing unit serves multiple functions: it can prepare dialysis fluid with fixed bicarbonate concentrations for standard cases, adjust concentrations for individualized patient needs, and maintain constant trace metal ion concentrations. This multi-functionality consolidates various preparation requirements into a single versatile device, improving treatment effectiveness while avoiding the need for multiple separate systems that would increase operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach allows for customized bicarbonate ion concentration in dialysis fluids, effectively managing metabolic acidosis and reducing mortality and hospitalization risks by optimizing bicarbonate levels based on individual patient states.

Implementation Method 1

Hemodialysis intended for patients with renal failure is widely performed to remove wastes such as electrolytes and uremic toxins present in patient's blood via a dialyzer based mainly on the principle of diffusion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS9463266B2Preparation apparatus and preparation method for dialysis fluid of variable bicarbonate ion concentration type, dialysate of variable bicarbonate ion concentration type, and dialysis system of variable bicarbonate ion concentration type

Publication Date: 2016.10.11 TOMITA PHARMACEUTICAL CO LTD

AI summary

Technology for preparing a dialysis fluid capable of flexibly changing bicarbonate ion concentration and maintaining concentrations of electrolytes such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium at constant levels during dialysis according to the disease state of a patient. A three-component dialysate containing an agent S containing sodium chloride, an agent B containing sodium bicarbonate, and an agent A containing electrolyte components other than sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate, with suitable adjustment of the amount of the agent B during dialysis fluid preparation maintains concentrations of trace metal ions such as potassium ions, calcium ions, and magnesium ions in a dialysis fluid at constant levels and flexibly changes the bicarbonate ion concentration therein. Adjusting the ratio between the amount of the agent S and agent B when the dialysate is used also makes it possible to maintain the sodium ion concentration at a constant level or flexibly change the sodium ion concentration.