Bubbles and clots optical sensor prototype: A system for use in hemodialysis

Abstract

Renal failure is a condition characterized by the progressive loss of the renal function of blood clearance. One of the treatment options is by hemodialysis sessions, where a machine performs the kidneys' functions such as filtering and cleaning the blood. In the machine, there are air bubbles ultrasonic sensors, as also as optical sensors for detect blood leakage and presence. Many times the ultrasonic sensor detects false positives causing the procedure to pause. These pauses stops patient's blood circulation and can cause blood coagulation. Moreover, the abrupt restart of the blood external circulation can cause the appearance of air bubbles not detected by the ultrasonic sensor causing air embolism. The use of more efficient sensors might result in decrease of the number of complications during hemodialysis and thus, improve the patients' quality of life. This work presents the development of an optical sensor prototype for air bubbles and additionally for clots detection. The sensor could be applied in the blood circuit of hemodialysis machines.