Weight-Based Peritoneal Dialysis with Reusable Drain Trolley
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated peritoneal dialysis systems are costly due to the need for disposable sets, including complex pumping cassettes and multiple fluid supply and drain bags, which also create storage and waste management burdens for patients.
Innovation Solution
An automated peritoneal dialysis system using a weigh scale to control fill, dwell, and drain cycles, eliminating the need for a rigid pumping cassette and reducing disposable waste by using a reusable drain trolley and simplified fluid supply lines, with a control unit managing fluid flow based on weight values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If disposable sets with complex pumping cassettes and multiple fluid bags are used, then automated peritoneal dialysis treatment can be performed, but system cost and waste management burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pumping function from the disposable set and relocates it to a reusable external pump device. This separates the transient fluid delivery function (disposable bags and lines) from the mechanical pumping function (reusable pump), allowing automated treatment without the expensive disposable pumping cassette
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable drain trolley serves multiple functions: it collects effluent from the patient, stores it during treatment, and can be emptied and reused for subsequent treatments. This multi-functional design replaces multiple single-use components, reducing waste while maintaining automated treatment capability
2Quantity of substance
If multiple fluid supply bags and drain bags are included in the disposable set, then continuous dialysis fluid supply is ensured, but storage space requirements and waste management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid supply system into multiple separate bags (fresh dialysis fluid bags and effluent collection bags) that can be independently managed. This allows patients to store multiple smaller bags rather than one large container, optimizing storage space while ensuring continuous supply throughout treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The drain trolley introduces a vertical dimension to waste management by providing a tall, narrow collection container that can be positioned vertically beside the patient's bed. This utilizes vertical space rather than horizontal floor space, reducing the footprint of waste storage while maintaining adequate effluent capacity
3Extent of automation
If a rigid pumping cassette is used in the disposable set, then automated fluid delivery is achieved, but system cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pumping function is extracted from the disposable set and placed in a reusable external pump device. This allows the disposable components to remain simple flexible bags without complex mechanical structures, while automated fluid delivery is maintained through the external pump that connects to these simplified bags
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pumping cassette with a combination of gravity-driven fluid flow and a simpler external pump mechanism. The pump can be positioned at different heights to utilize gravity for fluid direction, reducing the need for complex mechanical pumping components within the disposable set
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 system reduces costs and waste by minimizing the use of disposable components, ensuring a constant supply of heated dialysis fluid and efficient fluid management, while simplifying the dialysis process for patients.
Implementation Method 1
a weigh scale; a disposable set including a fluid supply container, wherein the fluid supply container is removably positioned on the weigh scale
Implementation Method 2
a pump positioned and arranged to pump fresh dialysis fluid via the fluid supply line
Implementation Method 3
the drain line positioned to operate with the valve... initiate and terminate a drain phase
Data Source
AI summary
A dialysis system and dialysis machine or cycler are provided that decrease a disposable set's cost and complexity. The dialysis machine or cycler includes a weigh scale on which multiple fluid supply containers containing dialysis fluid, and a drain trolley, are positioned. The fluid supply containers may be elevated relative to the drain trolley. The drain trolley is sized to contain all of the effluent drained from a patient during a dialysis treatment. The fluid supply containers are in fluid communication with one another and arranged one of top of the other. A control unit may control fill, dwell and drain cycles by controlling the operation of a pump and a valve. Dialysis fluid from the bottom-most fluid supply container may be pumped into a patient. The valve may be opened to allow effluent to drain from the patient to the drain trolley by way of gravity.