Systems and methods of gas removal from a wearable device
Inventors
AHMADI, Morteza • GRAANSMA, CLARENCE
Assignees
Qidni Labs Inc • Qidni Labs Inc
Publication Number
US-11964090-B2
Publication Date
2024-04-23
Expiration Date
2040-02-28
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Abstract
Systems, devices, and method for gas removal from a wearable device are provided. The systems comprise a gas removal filter having an inlet, a fluid outlet, and a vent port. The gas removal filter comprises a filter mesh between the inlet and outlet, the filter mesh configured to allow only liquid phase material through the filter mesh. The systems also comprises a gas detector for detecting gas in the gas removal filter; a orientation sensor for determining an orientation of the gas removal filter; a transducer protector filter having a first side and a second side, the transducer protector filter on fluid communication with the vent port of the gas removal filter; a pressure transducer in fluid communication with the second side of the transducer protector filter; and an gas removal pump in fluid communication with the second side of the transducer protector filter.
Core Innovation
The invention provides systems, devices, and methods for gas removal from a wearable device, particularly focusing on a gas removal filter with an inlet, a fluid outlet, and a vent port. The gas removal filter incorporates a filter mesh that allows only liquid phase material to pass through while restricting gas phase material. This filter is integrated with a gas detector, an orientation sensor to determine its position, a transducer protector filter connected to the vent port, a pressure transducer, and a gas removal pump also connected via the transducer protector filter.
The major problem addressed is the safety concern in medical devices like dialysis systems where air bubbles generated during treatment must not be returned to the patient's circulation. Existing systems require vertical orientation and manual intervention to manage gas bubbles using drip chambers, but wearable systems' portable nature means they are not always held vertically, leading to potential safety risks. The invention aims to allow safe gas removal with minimal user intervention, ensuring gas is removed only when the gas removal filter is upright, accommodating wearable devices that may be tilted or moved.
Claims Coverage
The claims disclose eight main inventive features related to a system for gas removal from a wearable device, focusing on its components and operation conditions.
Gas removal filter with filter mesh restricting gas passage
A gas removal filter comprises an inlet, a fluid outlet, and a vent port. The filter mesh is positioned between the inlet and fluid outlet and configured to allow liquid phase material to pass through while restricting gas phase material.
Gas detection and orientation sensing
Inclusion of a gas detector for detecting gas in the gas removal filter and an orientation sensor to determine the orientation of the gas removal filter, enabling gas removal only under certain orientations.
Use of a transducer protector filter and pressure transducer in fluid communication with vent port
A transducer protector filter with two sides is fluidly connected to the vent port of the gas removal filter, with a pressure transducer in fluid communication with the second side, protecting instrumentation and facilitating pressure measurement.
Gas removal pump connected to transducer protector filter
A gas removal pump is in fluid communication with the second side of the transducer protector filter to actively remove gas when detected and under the correct orientation.
Controller operation for detection and measurement
A controller configured to perform the method of detecting gas based on the gas detector signal, detecting orientation based on the orientation sensor signal, and measuring pressure using the pressure transducer signal.
Conditional gas removal and termination criteria
Gas removal is performed only when gas is detected, and the vent tube orientation enables gas flow to the vent port (generally perpendicular to the ground). Removal terminates when a pressure drop is measured at the pressure transducer.
Alarm signaling on pressure anomalies
The system sends an alarm signal when a pressure increase is measured above venous pressure, indicating a possible problem, such as clotting or excess unremoved air.
Mount with motors for orientation control of gas removal filter
A mount provides at least two vectors of rotation (tilt and roll) with motors to rotate the gas removal filter. The controller measures tilt and roll, calculates motor output, and drives the motors to orient the gas removal filter upright to enable gas removal.
The claims cover an integrated system for gas removal in wearable medical devices combining a specialized gas removal filter, detection and orientation sensing, active gas removal with a pump, pressure monitoring, alarm features, and a motorized mount to maintain filter orientation for optimal gas removal.
Stated Advantages
Permits safe use of a gas removal filter in a wearable medical device with minimal user intervention.
Ensures gas removal only occurs when the filter is in an upright orientation to prevent risk due to incorrect orientation.
Automatic correction of gas removal filter orientation reduces user burden and maintains safety.
Ability to detect gas presence and pressure anomalies provides real-time monitoring and safety alerts.
Documented Applications
Wearable renal therapy devices for patients with end-stage renal disease to provide portable dialysis treatment reducing lost productive time and enabling greater freedom.
Home dialysis patients using wearable dialysis systems benefiting from portability and travel freedom.
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