Patent Grant
11207451
The present invention relates to a medical apparatus for extracorporeal processing of fluid, such as blood, a blood component or other biological or medical fluid. The present invention also relates to a process of calculating set flow rates in a medical apparatus for delivery, or collection, or for delivery and collection of fluids, such as for example in an apparatus for extracorporeal fluid processing.
In the field of biological fluid processing for medical use, several apparatuses are known which require manipulation of fluids of various nature. Known type of fluid processing system include extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus which are typically used to extract undesirable fluids and/or solutes from the patient's blood and/or add desirable fluids and/or substances to the blood. Extracorporeal blood treatment is used for treating patients unable to effectively remove excess water and undesirable substances from their blood, such as when a patient suffers temporary or permanent kidney failure. These patients may receive an extracorporeal blood treatment to add/or remove substances to their blood, to maintain an acid/base balance, and/or to remove excess body fluids, for example. Extracorporeal blood treatment is typically accomplished by removing the blood from the patient in e.g. a continuous flow, introducing the blood into a primary chamber, also referred to as blood chamber, of a filtration unit (such as a dialyzer or an hemofilter or an hemodiafilter) where the blood is allowed to flow along a semipermeable membrane. The semipermeable membrane selectively allows matter in the blood to cross the membrane from the primary chamber into a secondary chamber and also selectively allows matter in the secondary chamber to cross the membrane into the blood in the primary chamber, depending on the type of treatment. Cleared blood is then returned to the patient.
A number of different types of extracorporeal blood treatments may be performed. In an ultrafiltration (UF) treatment, undesirable fluids and substances is removed from the blood by convection across the membrane into the secondary chamber. In a hemofiltration (HF) treatment, the blood flows past the semipermeable membrane as in UF and desirable substances are added to the blood, typically by dispensing a fluid into the blood either via respective infusion lines before and/or after it passes through the filtration unit and before it is returned to the patient. In a hemodialysis (HD) treatment, a secondary fluid containing desirable substances is introduced into the secondary chamber of the filtration unit. Undesirable substances from the blood may cross the semipermeable membrane by diffusion into the secondary fluid and desirable substances from the secondary fluid may cross the membrane into the blood. In a hemodiafiltration (HDF) treatment, blood and secondary fluid exchange matter as in HD+UF, and, in addition, fluid is added to the blood, typically by dispensing it into the blood before its return to the patient as in HF.
To perform one or more of the above described treatments, extracorporeal blood treatment equipment may comprise a plurality of lines for delivering fluid directly to the patient or into the extracorporeal blood circuit.
When setting up the machine, an operator usually imposes the blood pump flow rate, the individual flow rates for each of the infusion lines, the flow rate for the dialysis line and for the effluent line (in reality this latter may alternatively be calculated based on the information of the set weight loss and treatment time or based on the set patient fluid removal rate). The set values for the flow rates on each line are used to control respective pumps: in other words, a plurality of pumps are used where each pump draws fluid from or supplies fluid to a respective fluid container according to the set flow rate value for the respective line.
As shown in
In this situation, it is a general object of the present invention to offer a technical solution capable overcoming one or more of the above drawbacks.
In particular, it is an object of the present invention to render available a medical apparatus for the treatment of fluid and a process for calculating set flow rates in said apparatus capable of reducing as possible the frequency of container changes and consequent interruptions of treatment deliver.
It is an auxiliary object of the invention to offer a medical apparatus for the treatment of fluid and a process for calculating set flow rates in said apparatus which may facilitate flow rate setting before and during the treatment.
Another object of the invention is to offer a medical apparatus for the treatment of fluid and a process for calculating set flow rates in said apparatus capable of reducing treatment interruptions and bag or container changes without however compromising the prescribed treatment dose delivery.
Another object is an apparatus capable of controlling operating parameters in a safe manner.
At least one of the above objects is substantially reached by an apparatus according to one or more of the appended apparatus claims. One or more of the above objects is also substantially reached by a process according to any one of the appended process claims.
Apparatus and processes according to aspects of the invention are here below described.
A 1st aspect concerns an apparatus for extracorporeal treatment of blood comprising a filtration unit having a primary chamber and a secondary chamber separated by a semi-permeable membrane; a blood withdrawal line connected to an inlet of the primary chamber, and a blood return line connected to an outlet of the primary chamber said blood lines being configured for connection to a patient cardiovascular system; a blood pump configured to control the flow of blood through the blood lines; an effluent fluid line connected to an outlet of the secondary chamber; at least two further fluid lines selected in the group comprising:
In a 2nd aspect according to the 1st aspect the control unit is further configured to control said means for regulating the flow of fluid based on said set values of the fluid flow rates. In other words the control unit uses the calculated set values of the fluid flow rates for e.g. controlling the rotational pump of the pumps or the position of the regulating valves used on the fluid lines.
In a 3rd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects a memory is provided storing a plurality of mathematical relations correlating fluid flow rates selected in said group, said control unit being connected to said memory.
In a 4th aspect according to the preceding aspect the control unit is further configured to calculate the set values at least of the second and third fluid flow rates by applying said prescribed dose value Dset and the set value of the first fluid flow rate entered by the operator to said mathematical relations.
In a 5th aspect according to any one of the preceding two aspects, wherein said mathematical relations stored in said memory comprise one or more of the following:
In a 6th aspect according to the preceding aspects all said mathematical relations specified in the 5th aspect are stored in said memory.
In a 7th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects from the 3rd to the 6th, the control unit is further configured to allow the user to select at least two of said relations and to calculate the set values of at least the second and third of said fluid flow rates by applying the set value of the prescribed dose and the set value of the first fluid flow rate entered by the operator to the mathematical relations selected by the user.
In a 8th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects from the 5th to the 7th, the convection-diffusion relation defines a first ratio R1 dividing the total fluid flow rate Qrep1+Qrep2+Qpbp through said infusion fluid lines by the fluid flow rate Qdial through said dialysis fluid line.
In a 9th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects from the 5th to the 8th, the blood pre-dilution relation defines a second ratio R2 dividing the flow rate of blood or of plasma QBLOOD, QPLASMA by the sum of fluid flow rates Qrep1+Qpbp infused in the blood withdrawal line through said pre-dilution infusion fluid line and through said pre-blood pump infusion line.
In a 10th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects from the 5th to the 9th, the pre-post relation defines a third ratio R3 dividing the sum of the fluid flow rates Qrep1+Qpbp through said pre-blood pump infusion line and pre-dilution infusion line by the fluid flow rate Qrep2 through said post-dilution infusion line.
In a 11th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects from the 5th to the 10th, the control unit is further configured to: store a preset value or preset range for each one of said first, second and third ratios R1, R2, R3.
In a 12th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects from the 5th to the 11th, the control unit is further configured to allow entry by an operator of a set value or a set range for each one of said first, second and third ratios R1, R2, R3.
In a 13th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the blood pump is active in correspondence of a segment of the blood withdrawal line and the apparatus comprises the following fluid lines:
In a 14th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the blood pump is active in correspondence of a segment of the blood withdrawal line and the apparatus comprises the following fluid lines:
In a 15th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects said prescribed dose value Dset comprises a prescribed value for a flow rate or a combination of flow rates.
In a 16th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, said prescribed dose value Dset comprises a prescribed value for one selected in the group including:
In a 17th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the control unit is configured to correct the selected one of the above defined doses to take into account a predilution effect, when a fluid replacement or infusion line is present and delivers fluid upstream the treatment unit, by multiplying the dose value times a dilution factor Fdilution, which is < then 1, as per the following formula:
Dosecorr_xxx=Fdilution×Dose_xxx (with xxx=eff, conv, dial).
In a 18th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects from the 3rd to the 17th, said first fluid flow rate is the fluid removal rate Qpfr from the patient and wherein the control unit is configured to receive the set value of the patient fluid removal rate Qpfr and to calculate the fluid flow rate Qdial through the dialysis liquid fluid line and the fluid flow rate Qrep1, Qpbp, Qrep2 through the infusion fluid line or lines using at least two of said mathematical relations.
In a 19th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the control unit is further configured to allow entry by an operator of the set value for a blood flow QBLOOD through the blood withdrawal or blood return line.
In a 20th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the control unit is configured to calculate the set value for the blood flow based on a sensed value of a patient parameter selected in the group comprising:
In a 21st aspect according to any one of the preceding two aspects the control unit is configured to control the blood pump using either the entered or the calculated set value for the blood flow QBLOOD.
In a 22nd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the control unit is further configured to calculate the set value for the fluid flow rate Qpbp through said pre-blood pump infusion line as a function of:
In a 23rd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects from the 3rd to the 22nd, the apparatus further comprises a graphic user interface connected to said control unit, said control unit being configured to:
In a 24th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the means for regulating the flow of fluid through said fluid lines comprises a pre-dilution pump for regulating the flow through said pre-dilution fluid line and a post-dilution pump for regulating the flow through said post-dilution fluid line.
In a 25th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects a dialysis fluid line is connected to the inlet of the secondary chamber, and the means for regulating the flow of fluid through said fluid lines comprises at least a dialysis fluid pump for regulating the flow through said dialysis fluid line.
In a 26th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects said one or more infusion fluid lines comprise: a pre-blood pump infusion line connected to the blood withdrawal line in a region of this latter which is positioned in use upstream the blood pump, the means for regulating the flow of fluid through said fluid lines comprises at least a pre-blood infusion pump for regulating the flow through said pre-blood pump infusion line.
In a 27th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the apparatus further comprises a memory storing a one or a plurality of optimization criteria, said control unit being connected to said memory and being further configured to calculate the set values at least one of the second and third fluid flow rates by applying the optimization criteria.
In a 28th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the apparatus includes a waste container connected to an end of the effluent fluid line.
In a 29th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the apparatus includes a first container of fresh fluid connected to an end of the pre-dilution infusion fluid line.
In a 30th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the apparatus includes a second container of fresh fluid connected to an end of the post-infusion fluid line.
In a 31st aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the apparatus includes a third container of fresh fluid connected to an end of the dialysis liquid fluid line.
In a 32nd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the apparatus includes a fourth container of fresh fluid connected to an end of the pre-blood pump infusion fluid line.
In a 33rd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects from the 27th to the 32nd, the optimization criteria comprises a first optimization criterion imposing that an emptying time of at least two among the containers of fresh fluid and, optionally, a filling time of the waste container are multiple of a same reference time.
In a 34th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects from the 27th to the 32nd, the optimization criteria comprises a first optimization criterion imposing that an emptying time of at least one among the containers of fresh fluid and/or a filling time of the waste container is substantially same as or multiple of the emptying time of one or more of the other containers of fresh fluid.
In a 35th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects from the 27th to the 34th the optimization criteria comprises a second optimization criterion imposing that fluid consumption through said fluid lines is minimized.
In a 36th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects from the 27th to the 35th the optimization criteria comprises a third optimization criterion imposing that a life time of said filtration unit is maximized.
In a 37th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects from the 27th to the 36th the optimization criteria comprises a fourth optimization criterion imposes that urea clearance or dialysance of a given solute is maximized.
In a 38th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects from the 27th to the 37th the control unit is configured to allow the user selecting one or more of said criteria and calculate said at least second and third flow rate using said selected criteria.
In a 39th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects from the 27th to the 37th allow the user selecting one or more of said criteria and one or more of said mathematical relations and to calculate said at least second and third flow rate using said selected criteria and said selected mathematical relations.
In a 40th aspect according to the preceding aspect the control unit is configured to determine if said selected criteria and said selected mathematical relations are compatible or conflicting and then:
In a variant of the invention it should be noted that the control unit may be configured combine the use of the flow rate set-up procedure with the use of one or more optimization criteria. For example the control unit may be configured to:
A 41st aspect relates to an apparatus for extracorporeal treatment of fluid comprising:
By defining the reference time Tr and a multiplication factor, it is possible to define in relation to each fresh fluid line e.g. the following:
In a 42nd aspect according to the 41st aspect the control unit is configured to:
In a 43rd aspect according to the 41st aspect the control unit is configured to:
In a 44th aspect, according to any one of the preceding three aspects, the control unit is configured to use at least two reference times Tr1 and Tr2. This solution may be adopted when the apparatus includes at least four of the fluid lines selected in said group of fluid lines specified in aspect 41. The control unit is configured to calculate set values (Qiset) of two or more of:
In other words, in accordance with this aspect it is possible to synchronize the emptying of two or more containers (e.g. container 16 and 20) of fresh fluid with reference to a first reference time such that for instance the emptying time of said two containers is multiple of the first reference time, while the emptying two or more other containers (e.g. containers 21 and 26, or 21, 26 and S) may be synchronized with reference to a second reference time such that for instance the emptying time of said two other containers is multiple of the second reference time. This may still allow a good degree of overall synchronization and time saving. Of course it is also possible to synchronize the filling of the waste container with reference to either one of the two reference times.
In principle, if the apparatus would include a relevant number of lines bringing and or withdrawing fluid from the blood circuit and leading to respective fresh fluid containers or waste containers, it may be possible to synchronize the emptying/filling of the containers in 3 or more groups where each group of containers is synchronized relative to a respective reference time.
In a 45th aspect according to any one of the aspects from the 41st to the 44th, the control unit is further configured to control said means for regulating based on said calculated set values, either automatically or after receipt of a confirmation signal.
In a 46th aspect according to any one of the aspects from the 41st to the 45th the apparatus comprises at least the following fluid lines:
In a 47th aspect according to any one of the aspects from the 41st to the 46th the control unit is configured to calculate the set value for the fluid flow rate through each of the infusion fluid lines and dialysis fluid line by imposing that the emptying time of each given of said first, second and third containers is multiple of the same reference time Tr.
In a 48th aspect according to any one of the aspects from the 41st to the 46th the control unit is configured to calculate the set value for the fluid flow rate through each of the infusion fluid lines and dialysis fluid line by imposing that the emptying time of each given of said first, second and third containers is same as or multiple of the emptying time of one or more other of said first, second and third containers.
In a 49th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the blood pump is active in correspondence of a segment of the blood withdrawal line, the pre-dilution infusion fluid line is connected to the blood withdrawal line between the blood pump segment and the filtration unit, and a pre-blood pump infusion fluid line is connected to the blood withdrawal line in a region of this latter which is positioned between the blood pump segment and an end of the blood withdrawal line opposite the end connected to the filtration unit.
In a 50th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the control unit is configured to calculate the set value for the fluid flow rate through each of the infusion fluid lines and dialysis fluid line by imposing that the emptying time of each given of said first, second, third, and fourth containers is multiple of the same reference time Tr.
In a 51st aspect according to the preceding aspect the control unit is configured to calculate the set value for the fluid flow rate through each of the infusion fluid lines and dialysis fluid line by imposing that the emptying time of each given of said first, second, third, and fourth containers is same as or multiple of the emptying time of one or more other of said first, second, third, and fourth containers.
In a 52nd aspect according to the preceding aspect the waste line is connected to the waste container and the control unit is configured to calculate the set value for the fluid flow rate through each of the fluid lines by imposing that the emptying time of each given of said containers of fresh fluid and the filling time of the waste container are multiple of the same reference time Tr and are optionally same as or multiple of the emptying time of one or more other containers of fresh fluid or filling time of the waste container.
In a 53rd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the control unit is configured to store in a memory connected to the control unit the volume or weight of fluid which may be contained in each container of fresh fluid and optionally in said waste container.
In a 54th aspect according to the preceding aspect, said volume or weight of fluid is detected by a sensor associated to each respective container and connected to the control unit, or said volume or weight of fluid is entered by an operator for each respective container through a user interface connected to the control unit.
In a 55th aspect according to the 53rd aspect, said volume or weight of fluid is determined by the control unit associating an identification code on each respective container to a respective volume.
In a 56th aspect according to the 53rd aspect, said volume or weight of fluid is pre-stored in said memory.
In a 57th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the control unit is further configured to receive, for instance by allowing a corresponding selection by an operator, at least one set value for a treatment time T.
In a 58th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the control unit is further configured to receive, for instance by allowing a corresponding selection by an operator, at least one set value for a treatment dose Dset to be delivered to the patient during the treatment.
In a 59th aspect according to the preceding aspect the set value for the treatment dose comprises a prescribed value for one selected in the group including:
In a 60th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the control unit is further configured to receive, for instance by allowing a corresponding selection by an operator, at least one set value for one or more of:
In a 61st aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the apparatus comprises one or more scales weighing one or more of said containers.
In a 62nd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the apparatus comprises a corresponding scale for each respective of said containers, said one or more scales being connected to the control unit and sending to the control unit corresponding weight signals.
In a 63rd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the control unit is configured to:
In a 64th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the control unit is configured to:
In a 65th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the control unit is configured to:
“min(b1 . . . bn)” is a function selecting the minimum among the bi factors, and
“Round” calculates the natural number nearest to the result of quotient bi/min(b1 . . . b5).
In a 66th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the control unit is configured to:
A 67th aspect relates to an apparatus for extracorporeal treatment of fluid comprising:
In a 68th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the control unit is configured to
In a 69th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the control unit is configured to:
In a 70th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects from the 41st to the 69th said control unit is configured to:
In a 71st aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects from the 41st to the 70th the control unit is configured to receive one set value set by an operator for one fluid flow rate selected in the group comprising:
In a 72nd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects from the 41st to the 71st the control unit is configured to compute the reference time Tr by:
In a 73rd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects from the 41st to the 72nd wherein the apparatus comprises a separate scale detecting the weight of each respective container.
In a 74th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the control unit is configured to receive a weight Wi of one or more of said containers as measured by a corresponding scale associated to each container, wherein the weight of each respective container Wi used for the calculation of the set values of the fluid flow rates is determined either at the beginning of the treatment or at a prefixed checkpoint during treatment or responsive to a user input.
In a 75th aspect according to one of the preceding two aspects
In a 76th aspect according to one of the preceding three aspects the control unit is configured to compare the detected weight of the waste fluid container a respective threshold and to determine that the waste container is full if the detected weight is above the threshold. The threshold may be fixed or the control unit may be configured to calculate as threshold a set value (Neff-change) of the waste container reference volume or weight, at which the control unit considers that the waste container is full, by imposing that the filling time of the waste container is substantially same as, proportional to, or multiple of the emptying time of one or more of the other containers of fresh fluid.
In a 77th aspect according to one of the preceding two aspects the control unit is configured to generate an empty container signal when the weight of one or more containers of fresh fluid is below the respective threshold and to generate a full container signal when the weight of said waste container is above the respective threshold.
In a 78th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the means for regulating the flow of fluid through said fluid lines comprises a pre-dilution pump for regulating the flow through said pre-dilution fluid line and a post-dilution pump for regulating the flow through said post-dilution fluid line,
In a 79th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the control unit is further configured to:
In a 80th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects said control unit is configured to allow entry of:
In a 81st aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects
In a 82nd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects all containers of fresh fluid comprise a fluid having a same composition.
Alternatively, the fourth container of fresh fluid comprises a fluid having a composition different from that of the other containers of fresh fluid, for example said fourth container contains an anticoagulant (heparin or a regional anticoagulant such as a citrate solution): in this case the control unit is configured to calculate the set value of fluid flow rate through the pre-blood pump infusion line based on a predefined algorithm: e.g. the flow rate through the pre-blood pump infusion line may be set to be proportional to the set or calculated value of the blood pump flow rate. In a further alternative if the apparatus comprises the fourth container which includes a regional anticoagulant, for example a citrate based solution, then the second container leading to said post-dilution infusion fluid line includes an ionic balance solution, for example calcium ion based solution: in this case the control unit is configured to calculate the fluid flow rate through said pre-blood pump infusion fluid line and through said post-dilution infusion fluid line based on pre-defined algorithm(s).
In a 83rd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the apparatus comprises one or two syringe lines leading to respective syringe containers (S) including an anticoagulant solution or a ionic balance solution, the control unit being configured to calculate the fluid flow rate through said syringe line or lines based on pre-defined algorithm(s).
In a 84th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the control unit is configured to check if the calculated set value for the fluid flow rate through the post-dilution infusion line is higher than a prefixed fraction of the blood flow rate.
In a 85th aspect according to the preceding aspect wherein if the calculated set value for the fluid flow rate through the post-dilution infusion line is higher than a prefixed fraction of the blood flow rate, the control unit is configured to activate a correction procedure comprising:
In a 86th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the control unit is configured to:
A 87th aspect concerns a process of setting up a medical apparatus for the delivery and/or collection of fluids, the apparatus comprising:
In a 88th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the apparatus comprises:
In a 89th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the apparatus comprises:
By defining the reference time Tr and a multiplication factor, it is possible to define in relation to each fresh fluid line e.g. the following:
Optionally the above relations may be made with the filling time of the waste container.
In a 90th aspect according to the one of the preceding two aspects, the apparatus comprises at least the following three fluid lines:
In a 91st aspect according to the preceding aspect, the emptying time of each given of said first, second, third and fourth containers and/or the filling time of the waste container is substantially the same as, or multiple of, the emptying time of one or more other of said first, second, third and fourth containers, said set value for the fluid flow rate through each of the above-listed three fluid lines being calculated dividing said weight or volume Wi, Vi of the respective container by the value of reference time Tr.
In a 92nd aspect according to the one of the preceding aspects from 87th to 91st, the calculation of reference time Tr may be made as disclosed in connection with the above apparatus aspects.
In a 93rd aspect according to the one of the preceding aspects from 87th to 92nd the process comprises to:
In a 94th aspect according to the preceding aspect the process comprises to:
In a 95th aspect according to the 93rd aspect the process comprises to:
A 96th aspect concerns a process of setting up a medical apparatus for the delivery or collection of fluid, the apparatus comprising:
In a 97th aspect according to the 96th said means for regulating the flow of fluid are controlled based on said set values of the fluid flow rates.
In a 98th aspect according to any one of the preceding two aspects, said mathematical relations stored in said memory comprise one or more of the following:
In a 99th aspect according to any one of the preceding three aspects the process comprises selecting at least two of said relations and calculating the set values of at least the second and third of said fluid flow rates by applying the set value of the prescribed dose and the set value of the first fluid flow rate entered by the operator to the selected mathematical relations.
In a 100th aspect according to any one of the preceding four aspects, the convection-diffusion relation defines a first ratio R1 dividing the total fluid flow rate Qrep1+Qrep2+Qpbp through said infusion fluid lines by the fluid flow rate Qdial through said dialysis fluid line,
In a 101st aspect according to any one of the preceding five aspects the process may include selection of optimization relations as disclosed in connection with the above apparatus aspects.
In a 102nd aspect according to any one of the preceding apparatus aspects, the apparatus comprises one or more scales weighing one or more of said containers, optionally wherein a corresponding scale is provided for each respective of said containers, said scales being connected to the control unit and sending to the control unit corresponding weight signals, wherein the control unit is configured to receiving the initial weight Wi of one or more of said containers from one or more of said scales.
In a 103rd aspect a data carrier is provided comprising instructions which when executed by the control unit of an apparatus according to any one of the preceding apparatus aspects render said control unit configured to execute the respective steps described in the preceding aspects.
Aspects of the invention are shown in the attached drawings, which are provided by way of non-limiting example, wherein:
The dialysis fluid pump 21, the infusion fluid pump 18 (or pumps 18, 27) and the effluent fluid pump 17 are part of means for regulating the flow of fluid through the respective lines and, as mentioned, are operatively connected to the control unit 10 which controls the pumps as it will be in detail disclosed herein below. The control unit 10 is also connected to a memory 10a and to user interface 12, for instance a graphic user interface, which receives operator's inputs and displays the apparatus outputs. For instance, the graphic user interface 12 may include a touch screen, a display screen and/or hard keys for entering user's inputs or a combination thereof.
The embodiment of
The apparatus of
A further embodiment is shown in
Of course the above described blood treatment apparatus are of exemplifying character only and further variants may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.
For instance, the above apparatuses may also include a syringe pump provided with a container S connected via a respective line to one of the blood lines 6 and 7 and with a plunger P for displacing the fluid in the container. In
The means for regulating have been described as one or more pumps (in particular of the peristaltic type); however it is not to be excluded that other flow regulating means such as valves or combinations of pumps and valves may be used. Moreover, in case of syringe lines, the plunger P acts as a flow regulating means.
In the present specification, dose refers to a flow rate or to a combination of flow rates.
For example, one of the following magnitudes may be used as dose:
In the course of the following description reference will be made to the above dose definitions which are relating to doses not normalized to patient body weight (BW) or patient surface area (PA). Of course the same principles and formulas below described could be normalized to body weight or patient surface area by dividing the dose value by either body weight BW or surface area PA.
Normalized Dose=Dose/BW
or
NDose=Dose/PA×1.73 (when normalised to a 1.73 m2 surface area patient)
Furthermore, the above defined doses could be corrected to take into account the predilution effect, when a fluid replacement line is present upstream the treatment unit, such as lines 15 and 22 in the enclosed drawings. Each of the above defined doses could be corrected multiplying the dose value times a dilution factor Fdilution:
Dosecorr_xxx=Fdilution×Dose_xxx (with xxx=eff, conv, dial, etc)
The dilution factor Fdilution may be defined according to one of the following:
Where Qpre is the total predilution infusion rate (where two infusion lines are present upstream the treatment unit, as lines 15 and 22, Qpre combines PBP infusion 15 and pre-replacement infusion 22)
In practice, the effluent dose corrected for the predilution effect would be: Dosecorr_eff=Fdilution×Dose_eff.
The Control Unit
The control unit 10 is connected to the various sensors, to the means for regulating the flow rate through the various lines (in the above examples this means comprises the pumps active on the lines and the switch valves) and to the user interface. The control unit 10 may comprise a digital processor (CPU) and necessary memory (or memories), an analogical type circuit, or a combination thereof. In the course of the present description it is indicated that the control unit is “configured” or “programmed” to execute certain steps: this may be achieved in practice by any means which allow configuring or programming the control unit. For instance, in case of a control unit comprising one or more CPUs, a program may be stored in an appropriate memory containing instructions which, when executed by the control unit, cause the control unit to execute the steps herein described. Alternatively, if the control unit is of an analogical type, then the circuitry of the control unit may be designed to include circuitry configured in use to execute the steps herein disclosed.
In the example of
In accordance with an alternative aspect, which is of interest for example when the fluid flow rate through the effluent line is fixed by other conditions, the control unit may calculate a set value (Neff-change) of the waste container volume or weight at which the control unit considers that the waste container is full (which is basically a calculated threshold as opposed to a prefixed threshold): this set value (Neff-change) may be calculated by imposing that the filling time of the waste container 14 is substantially same as, proportional to, or multiple of the emptying time of one or more of the other containers of fresh fluid. When reached the set value (Neff-change) the control unit is configured to trigger a signal, e.g. to user interface, requesting a waste container change. Note that this alternative solution may add significant synchronization in bag changes while normally losing little volume in the waste container (namely while only shortly anticipating the waste container change).
Once the set values have been calculated the control unit may be configured to ask, or wait, for a confirmation which may be entered by the user, e.g. through action onto the user interface 12. The control unit is designed to control the means for regulating the flow rate based on the calculated set values either automatically (i.e. with no need of any action on the part of an operator), or after the appropriate confirmation is entered and a confirmation signal received at the control unit.
The control unit 10 may be configured to store, e.g. in a memory connected to the same control unit, the maximum volume of fluid which may be contained in each container of fresh fluid. The control unit may also be configured to store in a memory connected to the same control unit the maximum volume of fluid which may be contained in said waste container. The volume each container may host may be detected by a sensor associated to each respective container and connected to the control unit, or may be entered by an operator for each respective container through a user interface connected to the control unit, or determined by the control unit associating an identification code (indicia such as a bar code, an RFID or other identification means may be associated to the container) on each respective container to a respective volume, or said volume may be pre-stored in said memory. By knowing the volume of fluid that may be hosted in each container, the control unit may be configured to generate an alarm signal and/or to stop the treatment when the maximum quantity of fluid in one fresh fluid container (i.e. in one among the infusion fluid containers 16, 23, 26 and the dialysis fluid container 20) is reached, corresponding to a “empty container” threshold. In this situation, the user knows that he is supposed to substitute all fresh fluid containers (if the emptying is simultaneous on all bags as shown in
In the examples shown a respective scale (or other force sensor) is associated to the support of each container for detecting in real time the actual weight, and thus the current volume of fluid, of each container. In this manner the control unit, which is connected to the scales, may determine when the volume of fluid in each respective container is approaching or passing the respective thresholds (empty or full) as above described. Of course alternative sensors (e.g. level sensors) depending upon the circumstances and or the structure of the containers.
Synchronization of the Emptying and/or Filling Time of the Containers.
In accordance with a first solution, see the flowchart of
This set value may be for instance an effluent dose flow rate Deff_set, which is the prescribed mean value of the flow rate through the effluent line, or a convective dose flow rate Dconv_set, which is the prescribed mean value of the sum of the flow rates Qrep1, Qpbp, Qrep2 through any infusion fluid line and the patient fluid removal rate Qpfr, or a diffusive dose flow rate Ddial_set, which is the prescribed mean value of the flow rate through the dialysis fluid line Qdial. The control unit also receives the readings of the scales and thus knows the values Wi of the initial weights of each container (step 201). Alternatively the control unit may read or know the initial volume Vi of each container. In the description.
Then the set value Qiset namely the flow rate to be set in each fluid line is calculated (step 202). Depending upon the set value Dset which has been entered or received, the control unit is configured to calculate a reference time value Tr in different ways, namely:
Once the reference time Tr is calculated (step 203), the control unit is configured to determine the fluid flow rate in each one of the fresh fluid lines by dividing a weight Wi of the respective container by the value of reference time Tr (step 204).
For the sake of simplicity, the description given above in connection with steps 203 and 204 was restricted to the simultaneous emptying of all the bags/containers being used. In most cases this results in having all the pumps running at the same flow rate considering that all fluid bags have roughly the same initial weight. To give more flexibility to the system, it is possible to attribute a weighting factor per pump/bag in such a manner that the emptying time of a given bag could be a multiple of the emptying time of one or more bags.
Tr=(ΣWi·ci)/Dose
Qiset, namely the flow rate to be set in each fluid line, is then computed also taking the value of each coefficient ci into account as:
Qiset=Wi/(Tr·ci)
Once the Qiset values are calculated, following one or the other of the above sequence of steps, they are stored in a memory (step 205) and then applied to control the pump speeds as described herein below in greater detail with reference to certain embodiments (step 207). In accordance with an optional aspect the control unit may issue a signal to the user interface 12 requesting a confirmation (206) from the user before actually applying the calculated values of Qiset to control the pumps.
In accordance with a third alternative solution, which is shown in the flowchart of
Qiset=(Wi/ci)/Tr, where Tr=(ΣWi·ci)/Dose
On its turn, ci for each respective container may be calculated as a function of an intermediary factor bi obtained (see step 404) by dividing either the dose or the sum of said proposed values Qi of the flow rates by the respective proposed value Qi. In the example of
ci=Round [bi/min(b1 . . . bn)], where “min(b1 . . . bn)” is a function selecting the minimum among the bi factors, and “Round” is a function determining the natural number nearest to the result of quotient bi/min(b1 . . . bn).
Once the Qiset values are calculated, they may be stored in a memory (step 406) and then applied to control the pump speeds as described herein below in greater detail with reference to certain embodiments (step 408). In accordance with an optional aspect the control unit may issue a signal to the user interface 12 requesting a confirmation (407) from the user before actually applying the calculated values of Qiset to control the pumps. As a further variant applicable to the above described three alternative solutions, the calculation of the reference time Tr may be done as follows: the control unit may be configured to allow entry of the treatment time T, and calculate the reference time Tr either as the treatment time T or as a sub-multiple of the treatment time T. As disclosed hereinbefore once Tr has been calculated, each flow rate may be set as Qiset=Wi/Tr or as Qiset=Wi/(Tr·ci) where ci is an integer from e.g. 1 to 5. In another variant for the calculation of Tr, the control unit 10 may be configured to receive one set value set by an operator for one fluid flow rate through one of the lines present in the blood treatment apparatus. For instance, the operator may set the fluid flow rate Qrep1 through the pre-dilution infusion fluid line 15, or the fluid flow rate Qrep2 through the post-infusion fluid line 25, or the fluid flow rate Qpbp through the pre-blood pump infusion fluid line 21, a fluid flow rate Qdial through the dialysis liquid fluid line 27. The setting may be done through the user interface or via any other input. Once the input of a flow rate to a certain fluid line is set, the control unit is configured to identify the container associated to the fluid line for which the fluid flow rate has been set and to detect the respective initial weight. Then, the control unit may calculate the reference time Tr dividing the initial weight Wi of the identified container by the set value of the fluid flow rate set by the operator. Once Tr has been calculated, each flow rate may be set as Wi/Tr or as Qiset=Wi/(Tr·ci) where ci is an integer from e.g. 1 to 5.
In accordance with a fourth alternative solution, the control unit may be configured to execute a synchronization algorithm able to combine the use of proposed values for the set flow rates (for instance initially set by the user or calculated using one or more of the mathematical relations, as above described) with at least a certain degree of synchronization in the emptying of the containers; in other words, a purpose of the algorithm is to minimize the number of user interventions while keeping the flow rates in ‘proximity’ of some initial settings (which may be manual or computed settings). In practice this algorithm is designed to change according to a certain set percentage the initially set or calculated flow rates in order to reduce as possible the number of container/bag changes across a certain time period, e.g. 24 hours, without substantially changing the initially set or calculated flow rates.
The starting point of the algorithm (see
Also the blood flow rate setting for the blood pump may be entered or calculated by the control unit, see step 500. An optional step of calculating a set dose value as sum of the proposed flow rates Q may be present at step 501.
At step 503, an allowed adjustment parameter ‘A’ is defined as maximum relative change allowed on bag/container change periods in order to optimize bag synchronization and reduce number of user interventions (step 503A). The algorithm also considers ‘ratios of interest’ R0k which are parameters defined in the algorithm as ratios between change periods (time between one container change and the next change of the same container) of pairs of containers (step 503B). Ratios of interest are defined for each pair of lines and respective containers. K is an integer which may vary from 1 to M, and M may be pre-stored in the control unit memory or the control unit may be configured to receive it from a user input. The algorithm takes into account that more interventions (container changes) are saved when identifying a ‘1 to 1’ container synchronization ratio between two lines (because in that case the containers of the two lines are changed at the same time), than when having a ‘1 to 4’ ratio. Next table 1 provides the list of the optimum ratios of interest when considering all synchronization ratios up to ‘order 5’ in relation with a pair of containers indicated as bag1 and bag2. The first 8 R0k values are used in some examples reported at the end of the detailed description.
In the above table referring for instance to the third more interesting ratio (corresponding to k=3), it is possible to see that k=3 matches with Bag1-Bag2=1 to 3, meaning that Bag2 is changed 3 times while Bag1 is changed once. This corresponds to a change bag period of Bag1 which is 3.0 times longer than the change bag period for Bag2: thus, one user intervention out of 4 is saved compared to a situation where no synchronization at all would be present. Indeed, with k=3 there would be 2 single bag changes of Bag2+1 simultaneous bag changes of Bags 1 and 2 with a total of 3 interventions, whilst in case of no synchronization there would be 3 single bag changes of Bag2+1 single bag change of Bag2, meaning a total of 4 interventions. As K increases the degree of synchronization goes down and, consequently, the number of bag or container changes saved also goes down.
Referring now to the general case of a treatment apparatus with N lines leading to respective N bags or containers, the control unit may be configured to execute the following steps, after the value of A has been selected or predefined (at step 503, see
Concerning the mentioned degrees of freedom NF (step 507 above), the following should be noted. In an apparatus having N lines (e.g. a number of infusion lines, a dialysate line, one or more lines leading to a respective syringe and an effluent line), then the effluent line flow rate may verify condition a fluid balance equation; moreover the syringe line(s) may have a fixed flow rate; the N−2 other lines are infusion or dialysate lines leading to respective containers having fixed volume. In the case where both effluent and syringe bag/container volumes are fixed, the associated bag change periods are also fixed and the N−2 bag change periods for the other lines remain to be defined. As these N−2 periods/flow rates are already linked by the relation Qeff=ΣQfresh fluids(i)⇄Qpfr, only NF=N−3 relations may be considered for defining all the flow rates. In the scenario where both effluent and syringe bag/container volumes are let free, then the number of degrees of freedom is NF=N−1, since effluent bag volume (Veff) and syringe volume (Vsyr) are two additional variables in the system.
In accordance with an aspect, the selection of the NF ratios Rij (step 509 above) providing for the highest number of saved bag changes considers also the ‘degrees of freedom’ issue. The selection of the ‘best’ Rij has to ensure the definition of NF independent relations between NF+1 variables (with the ‘NF+1’th relation being Qeff=ΣQfresh fluids(i)+Qpfr.
Note that irrespective of which one of the above described sequences of steps is used for the determination of Qiset, once these set values Qiset have been calculated (e.g. using one or more mathematical relations and/or one or more optimization criteria), then the control unit 10 may be configured to display the calculated set values. As mentioned, the control unit may also be configured to ask, or wait, for a confirmation which may be entered by the user, e.g. through action onto the user interface 12. The control unit 10 is designed to control the means for regulating the flow rate based on the calculated set values either automatically (i.e. with no need of any action on the part of an operator), or after the appropriate confirmation is entered and a confirmation signal received at the control unit. In general, and irrespective of which one of the synchronization algorithms above described is used, if the apparatus has one or two syringe lines leading to respective syringe containers S of an anticoagulant solution or a ionic balance solution, the control unit may be configured to calculate the fluid flow rate through said syringe line or lines based on a pre-defined algorithm so that basically there are one or two degree of freedom less and thus 2 flow rates less to calculate left with the algorithm for synchronization of the containers emptying. In such a case the syringe delivery may be controlled based on said predefined algorithm while the emptying of any other container may be fully or partially synchronized with the emptying of the syringe container(s) using one of the synchronization methods above described.
Also in the case where the fourth container leading to said pre-blood pump infusion fluid line 21 includes a regional anticoagulant, for example a citrate based solution, and the second container leading to said post-dilution infusion fluid line 25 includes an ionic balance solution, for example calcium ion based solution 26, the control unit may be configured to calculate the fluid flow rate through said pre-blood pump infusion fluid line 21 and through said post-dilution infusion fluid line 25 based on a pre-defined algorithm. In such a case the delivery through lines 21 and 25 may be controlled based on said a predefined algorithm while the emptying of any other container may be fully or partially synchronized with the emptying of the second and/or fourth container using one of the synchronization methods above described.
Referring to
The above flow rates are then set as set values and the respective pumps 18, 21 and 27 controlled accordingly by the control unit 10, as shown in
Again referring to
Tr=(5000·c1+5000·c2+5000 c3) ml/3000 ml/h=4.17 h
where c1, c2 and c3 are weighing factors in this case respectively set equal to 1, 1 and 2.
Each pump flow rate is then calculated as:
The above flow rates are then imposed as set values and the respective pumps 18, 21 and 27 controlled accordingly by the control unit 10, as shown in
Referring to the circuit of
Each container 20, 16 and 26 is a 5 L bag, and the set dose is the sum of the above Q values, namely 3000 ml/h
In the case where no synchronization is implemented, then the situation would be as per
In case of bag emptying synchronization where the machine attempts to achieve a certain degree of synchronisation without substantially changing the proposed flow rates, c1, c2 and c3 are calculated as follows:
First, the control unit calculates intermediary parameters Bi using the formula:
bi=Dose/Qi (where is the flow rate of the ith pump)
The following results are obtained:
The value of ci are obtained by normalizing the values of bi with respect to their minimum and rounding the result to the closest natural number, using the formula:
ci=Round(bi/min(b1 . . . bn))
With the following results:
From c1, c2 and c3 the flow rate Qi of a given pump is calculated as follows:
Tr=(ΣWi/ci)/Dose
Qi=(Wi/ci)/Tr
As shown in
The following is a general example according to the fourth synchronization solution described above which follows the exemplifying flowchart of
QBLOOD and the proposed Qi values are set by the user or calculated by the control unit at step 500. At this step, the patient fluid removal rate QPFR is fixed or entered by the user at 100 ml/h. Then the dose value is set or calculated (step 501) and the volume of the of each bag detected or entered by the user (step 502).
The following parameters are selected or preprogrammed (step 503):
It is assumed that the apparatus comprises a circuit similar to that of
Table 2 below recaps the initial flow rates Qi (2nd column), the bag volumes (3rd column), the change bag periods Ti (4th column) using the initial Q values and the corresponding number of daily bag changes (5th column).
Table 3 below ranks the change bag periods Ti from the shortest to the longest.
At step 505, the Rij=Ti/Tj (i>j) are calculated by the control unit. Table 4 provides the computation of period ratios
Rij=Ti/Tj(i>j)
Then at step 506, the control unit compares the Rij ratios to the ratios of interests R0k of table 1 creating the ratios Rij/R0k. Table 5 shows the ratios Rij/R0k; At step 508 the control unit table 5 also checks the ratios Rij/R0k which stay within the ‘A’ criterion, namely those which verify the condition:
(1−A)R0k<Rij<(1+A)R0k.
Note that table 5 also includes an identification of ratios which result within ‘A’ criterion (see cells with underlined values, namely those which verify the condition:
(1−A)R0k<Rij<(1+A)R0k).
1.03
1.00
0.91
0.94
0.90
1.07
1.03
At step 507 (this step may be executed at any time before step 509 below described), the control unit computes the degrees of freedom NF. Table 6 indicates the number of degrees of freedom (NF).
Then the control unit provides a computation of the number of bag change saved for all Rij within the above criterion for the A parameter and identifies the most effective combinations complying also with the available NF=2 degrees of freedom.
Table 7 shows this computation of the number of bag change saved and identifies (see arrow) of the NF=2 most effective combinations.
Table 7
Then the control unit calculates and optionally stores the flow rates.
Table 8 provides a summary of selected Rij ratios and flow rate relations obtained using below Equations:
Thus:
Qi=Vi/Ti=Vi/(Rij·Tj)=Vi/(Rij·Vj/Qj)
Using the flow rate relations derived from selected Rij and related R0k values, the above equation leads to the adjusted value for Qi, namely:
Then follows the computation of flow rates using R0k ratios selected in table 8. The adjusted flow rates are recapped in Table 9 below which clarifies how with a relatively small adjustment to the initially proposed flow rates a certain degree of synchronization in the container emptying has been achieved thus saving significant time in container changes.
Reference is made to an apparatus as shown in
Prescription:
The following criteria are stored in memory 10a:
The operator selects:
The control unit 10 then computes the flow rates as follows:
Qeff=Qdial+Qrep1+Qrep2+Qpfr to be minimized Eq.1:
Dset-urea=QBLOOD/(QBLOOD+Qrep1)×Qeff=65×38=2470 ml/h Eq.2:
Qrep2>200 ml/min Eq.3:
R2>0.10 Eq.4:
In order to meet the Urea dose target while minimizing fluid consumption (Qeff), it is necessary to maximize the ratio QBLOOD/(QBLOOD+Qrep1)
According to the set constraints, this requires to set Qrep1=0.10×QBLOOD=1320 ml/h (from eq.4).
Equation 2 allows to define Qeff=2470×(1+0.10/1)=2717 ml/h.
Qdial and Qrep2 have then to be defined from:
Qdial+Qrep2=2717−100−1320=1297 ml/h Eq.1bis:
Qrep2>200 ml/h Eq.3:
From the above first phase of computation, the following has been defined:
In other words some flow rates are not completely defined. As above discussed in connection with the fourth solution of synchronization, a synchronization algorithm may be performed by the control unit from an arbitrary set of values; for example the above calculated flow rates where Qdial=550 ml/h (⇒Qrep2=747 ml/h). The issue in this case is the choice of the ‘allowed adjustment’ parameter A, since a specific flow rate range is defined for Qdial [0;1297], allowing for a large range of bag change period. For this application case, the value of ‘A’ is selected at 0.3 (while 0.1 was used in example 6).
Qrep1, as well as Veff, are fixed; then number of degrees of freedom is NF=4−3=1 and consequently one single synchronization relation may be introduced. The initial input data to the synchronization algorithm are indicated in Table 10 while in Table 11 a ranking of change bag periods Ti is given.
Then the control unit makes a computation of period ratios Rij=Ti/Tj (i>j). Table 12 recaps the computed values for
Rij=Ti/Tj.
Then the control unit compares the Rij ratios to the ratios of interests R0k of table 1 creating the ratios Rij/R0k and also checks the ratios Rij/R0k which stay within the ‘A’ criterion, namely those which verify the condition:
(1−A)·R0k<Rij<(1+A)·R0k.
Below table 13 an identification of ratios which result within ‘A’ criterion (see cells with underlined values, namely those which verify the condition:
(1−A)R0k<Rij<(1+A)·R0k).
0.70
1.36
0.88
0.68
1.21
0.91
1.24
1.18
0.91
0.73
0.99
1.02
0.71
0.54
The number of degrees of freedom NF are then identified. Table 14 indicates the number of degrees of freedom (NF).
Then the control unit identifies the best relation with NF=1 and respecting the limitations on the A value as well as the fixed parameters. Tables 15 and 16 indicate that the ‘best’ relation to introduce is Qrep2=Qeff/3, allowing to save more than 4 user interventions a day (˜17%). Note that relation 2/1 (Qrep1−Qeff) is discarded since both Qeff and Qrep1 are fixed. Relation 4/2 (Qdial−Qrep1) leads to Qdial=Qpre which is not compatible with Qeff=ΣQi.
Table 15
The above selected Rij ratios and flow rate relations (table 16) are used by the control unit for computation of flow rates Qiset (in this case Q3 and Q1 respectively corresponding to Qrep2=391.3 ml/h and Qdial=905.7 ml/h) as per below table 17.
To secure the result, the algorithm might be repeated using a different set of initial flow rates; in this case it is verified that the same result is obtained with Qdial=100 ml/h (⇒Qrep2=1197) as initial flow rate (same result except permutation of Qrep2 and Qdial values).
Note that in the above example, in the case adjustment of Qrep1 is allowed, then NF=2 and 6.5 additional user interventions may be saved by setting Qrep1=Qeff/2 (computation steps not reported).
Initial Setting
As above explained the operator may select a prescribed dose value. The prescribed dose value may also be calculated at the beginning of the treatment by the control unit or it may be pre-stored in a memory connected with the control unit. Based on the prescribed dose value and on the value of the weighing coefficients ci, the control unit may determine the set flow rates on each line in order to achieve the desired level of emptying/filling synchronization. Alternatively to the dose setting the control unit may receive a set flow rate for one of the fluid lines 15, 19, 22, 25 and the value of the weighing coefficients ci, and then determine the set flow rates on each line in order to achieve the desired level of emptying/filling synchronization.
In a further alternative a treatment time T may be entered which is then used to calculate Tr and then the flow rates in each line based on Tr and ci.
The control unit may also allow entry by an operator of the set value for a blood flow QBLOOD through the blood withdrawal or blood return line, and/or it may be configured to calculate the set value for the blood flow to be set (see below section “Blood pump setting”).
Finally the control unit is configured to allow entry of the fluid removal rate (Qpfr) from the patient, or of the treatment time (T) and of the weight loss (WL) to be imposed over said treatment time (T).
In other words, by specifying the set values for dose (or for the flow rate through one of the fluid lines or for the treatment time T), fluid removal rate (or the weight loss+treatment time), and the blood flow rate (unless it is automatically calculated), the apparatus may be very easily initialized and treatment may start with the emptying of the containers or bags duly synchronized.
In the present description it has been explained that the control unit is configured to receiving weight signal corresponding to the weight Wi as measured by a corresponding scale associated to each container: the weight of each respective container Wi used for the calculation of the set values of the fluid flow rates is usually determined at the beginning of the treatment or subsequent to each bag-substitution before restarting the treatment; however, each weight may also be determined at prefixed checkpoints during treatment or responsive to a user input, such that the control unit may be designed to be able to synchronize the emptying of the bags at any time.
Blood Pump Setting
In the above description it has been indicated that the blood pump may be controlled by the control unit 10 using a set value of the blood flow rate QBLOOD entered by the user. More in general, the control unit 10 may allow entry by an operator of the set value for a blood flow QBLOOD through the blood withdrawal or blood return line, or it may be configured to calculate the set value for the blood flow to be set. In this latter case the calculated value for the set blood flow could be calculated based on the value of the flow rate determined in one of the fluid lines: for instance the blood flow rate could be calculated to be proportional to calculated value of the flow rate through pre-blood pump infusion line (or viceversa the pre-blood pump infusion line flow rate could be calculated to be proportional to QBLOOD) Alternatively, the blood flow rate may be calculated based on a sensed value of a patient parameter or of a treatment parameter, e.g. by way of non-limiting examples: the pressure sensed by pressure sensor 6b in tract 6a of the blood withdrawal line, a measured blood recirculation fraction re-circulating from the blood return line 7 into the blood withdrawal line 6, a measured value of hemo-concentration measured in correspondence of one of the blood lines 6, 7, a measured value of transmembrane TMP pressure across the filter semipermeable membrane 5.
In any case, the control unit 10 may control the blood pump using either the entered or the calculated set value for the blood flow QBLOOD.
Safety Features
It should be noted that the control unit may be designed to include some safety features: indeed it the filtration fraction is an important factor to be considered. Since the flow rates may be automatically set by the control unit 10, it is possible to ensure that all pumps infusing in post-dilution will not cause an excessive filtration fraction (e.g. post-dilution flow rate >20% of blood flow rate). In this respect the control unit 10 may be configured to check if the calculated set value for the fluid flow rate through the post-dilution infusion line is higher than a prefixed fraction of the blood flow rate and in the affirmative activate a correction procedure. The correction procedure may comprise issuing a warning to the user interface, or it may comprise issuing a command to stop the treatment, or it may comprise correcting the delivery of fluid through one or more of the other lines, or (in case for instance the blood treatment apparatus includes a switch on the post-dilution line) issuing a command to switch 100 and/or 101 to temporary connecting a post-dilution fluid line to the blood withdrawal line. For instance referring to
Composition of the Fluid Containers
All containers of fresh fluid may comprise a fluid (e.g. a replacement solution) having a same composition. The fact that the flow rates are not set individually implies that if the same type of composition is used during the treatment for containers there is no unexpected outcome regarding the electrolytic balance and/or acid-base equilibrium of the patient.
It may be envisaged that a container of fresh fluid comprises a fluid having a composition different from that of the other containers of fresh fluid: for instance the fourth container may contain an anticoagulant, such as a citrate solution; in this case the control unit 10 is configured to calculate the set value of fluid flow rate through the pre-blood pump infusion line to be proportional to the set or calculated value of the blood pump flow rate for achieving an adequate anticoagulation level. The other pump flow rates are adjusted so as to become empty at the same time as the citrate bag. Alternatively, the control unit could use the citrate bag in a way that it is not synchronized with the emptying of the other fluid bags and is thus managed separately (e.g. flow rate is proportional to blood flow rate). In a further alternative, fourth bag emptying is synchronized with the other bags and the blood pump flow rate setting is adjusted so as to be proportional to the citrate pump flow rate. Of course one could also envisage that all infusion bags used be citrate-containing bags: in this case synchronization may be made with no problems. Notice that in case the fourth bag includes a regional anticoagulant, e.g. a citrate based solution, then one post-dilution line including a calcium ion based solution may be present: for instance referring to
One of the advantages of the claimed solution as well as of the above described embodiments is logistic since the frequency of bag/container changes is reduced.
One other advantage is a positive impact on the treatment since lesser interruptions help in providing more continuous and accurate treatment.
One further positive aspect which may be provided by certain aspects of the present invention is a simplification in setting of treatment prescription.
While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and the scope of the appended claims.
Here below the components and corresponding reference numerals used in the detailed description are listed.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11007037 | Aug 2011 | EP | regional |
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/857,946, filed Dec. 29, 2017, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/342,028, filed Jun. 3, 2014, which is a U.S. National Stage Application of International Application No. PCT/IB2012/001621, filed Aug. 22, 2012, which was published in English on Mar. 7, 2013 as International Patent Publication WO 2013/030643 A1. International Application No. PCT/IB2012/001621 also claims priority to European Application No. 11007037.2, filed Aug. 30, 2011. A certified copy of European Application No. 11007037.2 filed Aug. 30, 2011, was provided in, and is available in, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/342,028 for which certified copy is available in PAIR.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Parent | 14342028 | US | |
| Child | 15857946 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Parent | 15857946 | Dec 2017 | US |
| Child | 16852877 | US |
