Dialysis systems and methods for modulating flow of a dialysate during dialysis using Raman spectroscopy
Inventors
Robertson, John L. • Senger, Ryan
Assignees
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties Inc • Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Publication Number
US-11324869-B2
Publication Date
2022-05-10
Expiration Date
2040-02-26
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
The present invention is a system to continuously monitor, in real-time, the small molecules being dialyzed during hemodialysis treatment using Raman spectroscopy and press control algorithms. By monitoring the treatment, the amount of water needed per dialysis treatment is drastically reduced by optimizing analyte saturation and removal of wastes. This will significantly conserve water and reduce the cost of dialysis treatments, possibly reducing the amount of time necessary for dialysis treatment, improving quality of life for patients during and after treatment, and reducing the costs of building new treatment centers as well as operating costs.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a system for continuously monitoring in real-time the small molecules being dialyzed during hemodialysis treatment using Raman spectroscopy and press (PID) control algorithms. This system utilizes a Raman spectrometer operably coupled to a dialysate waste line, which analyzes the chemical composition of the waste dialysate to determine the concentration of specific analytes such as urea or creatinine. The flow control unit processes the Raman spectra, calculates analyte concentrations, and modulates the flow of dialysate accordingly by delivering control signals to a dialysate pump.
The problem being addressed is the excessive use of ultra-purified water in conventional hemodialysis treatments, where the dialysate is rarely saturated to capacity with wastes, resulting in significant water waste and higher operational costs. These shortcomings are particularly relevant in areas with limited water supplies and contribute to high expenses in building and operating dialysis centers.
By implementing real-time monitoring and automated flow modulation based on molecular concentrations detected in the waste dialysate, the system aims to optimize the removal of metabolic wastes, reduce water and resource consumption, and personalize the dialysis treatment for each patient. The system is designed to conserve water, lower treatment costs, and potentially decrease the duration of dialysis sessions while improving patient outcomes.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes several independent claims detailing inventive features relating to dialysis systems, methods, and devices employing real-time Raman spectroscopy and automated dialysate flow control.
Dialysis system with Raman spectroscopy-based flow control
A dialysis system comprising: - A base unit capable of performing dialysis treatment; - A Raman spectrometer operably coupled to a dialysate waste line; - A flow control unit in communication with a dialysate pump for regulating dialysate flow; The flow control unit is configured to: 1. Receive one or more Raman spectrum from the Raman spectrometer; 2. Process the Raman spectrum; 3. Determine the concentration of one or more analytes in the dialysate; 4. Deliver a signal to the dialysate pump, modulating the flow of the dialysate.
Method for dialysis treatment using Raman spectroscopy and flow modulation
A method for performing dialysis treatment comprising: 1. Providing one or more Raman spectrum(s) of a dialysate sample during dialysis treatment; 2. Determining a concentration of one or more analyte(s) present in the dialysate sample; 3. Modulating dialysate flow rate in a manner that provides the amount of one or more analytes within a specified range.
Device for modulating dialysate flow rate using Raman spectroscopy
A device comprising: - A Raman spectrometer in operable communication with a dialysate waste line of a dialysis system; - A dialysate pump for moving dialysate through the system; - A flow control unit operably communicating with the dialysate pump to modulate flow rate. The flow control unit is configured to: (i) Receive one or more Raman spectrum(s) of the dialysate exiting a dialysis filter; (ii) Process the Raman spectrum; (iii) Determine a concentration of one or more analyte(s) in the dialysate exiting the filter; (iv) Deliver a signal to the dialysate pump to modulate the dialysate flow rate.
The inventive features claimed encompass systems, methods, and devices for real-time analysis and closed-loop control of dialysate flow in hemodialysis, using Raman spectroscopy to optimize analyte removal and resource usage.
Stated Advantages
The system significantly conserves water by reducing the amount of dialysate required per treatment.
It reduces the cost of dialysis treatments and operating expenses for treatment centers.
The invention potentially reduces the time necessary for dialysis treatment.
It improves quality of life for patients during and after treatment.
The system enables individualized and optimized treatment by adjusting dialysate flow in real-time based on patient-specific data.
It lowers the costs of building new dialysis centers by reducing the infrastructure needed for water purification.
Documented Applications
Use in hemodialysis treatment for patients with kidney failure to monitor and optimize removal of metabolic wastes.
Application in dialysis centers to reduce water consumption and operational costs.
Facilitates the creation of patient profiles for individualized dialysis treatment and real-time medical studies.
Interested in licensing this patent?