Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) is a life-saving treatment for patients with kidney failure, but maintaining a perfect balance between the fluids entering and leaving the body is critical. Even tiny errors can lead to dangerous fluid imbalances, causing heart failure, shock, or death. Existing CRRT machines rely on pumps and weighing scales that can drift over time, are sensitive to bag movement, and require frequent manual intervention—making them unreliable and burdensome for healthcare staff.
Core
Features
This invention introduces a magnetically coupled precise liquid balance system. It uses a special syringe-like device with an internal magnetic piston and an external magnetic driver. As the external magnet moves, it precisely controls fluid inflow and outflow without direct mechanical contact. Advanced sensors, valves, and pressure monitors ensure fluid is managed accurately, even over long periods, with minimal wear and maintenance.
Inventive
Step (What’s New)
Unlike traditional mechanical pumps and scales, this invention uses magnetic coupling to move fluids in and out of a sealed syringe chamber, eliminating mechanical wear, slippage, and the inaccuracies caused by vibrations or bag shaking. It also uses negative pressure to naturally draw in fluids, which minimizes gas bubble issues that can distort measurements—something older systems can't handle reliably.
Benefits
- Unmatched accuracy in fluid balance, reducing fatal risk.
- Fewer maintenance needs, as parts don’t wear out easily.
- Lower workload for nurses (fewer bag changes, no constant recalibration).
- Extended machine life and better treatment reliability for patients.
Broader
Impact
This technology could revolutionize kidney failure care and other critical treatments by improving safety, reducing hospital staff burden, lowering treatment costs, and saving lives. It also supports greater sustainability by reducing disposable part waste through longer-lasting core components.