Raman-guided dialysate flow optimizer for hemodialysis
This system attaches a Raman spectrometer—a device that identifies molecules by how they scatter laser light—to the waste line of a standard dialysis machine. It continuously reads exactly what toxins and waste molecules are being removed in real time, then automatically adjusts the dialysate flow rate to keep the fluid working at peak efficiency rather than flowing at a fixed, wasteful rate. The result is that far less water and dialysate fluid is needed per treatment session, which cuts per-treatment costs and could shorten session times. The core innovation is closing the loop between measurement and machine control, replacing the current 'run it at a fixed rate and hope' approach with active, data-driven optimization.
What you could build
A sensor-and-control retrofit module for existing hemodialysis machines that adds real-time Raman monitoring and automated flow optimization; primary buyers would be dialysis clinic operators and original equipment manufacturers like Fresenius, Baxter, or DaVita's captive supply chain, who face direct financial pressure from water costs and per-treatment margins.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia's large network of outpatient dialysis clinics and the presence of health-system anchors like Inova and VCU Health create potential early-adopter or pilot-site relationships; medical device companies in the Northern Virginia and Richmond corridors are plausible commercialization partners.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- John L. Robertson, Ryan Senger
- Granted
- May 10, 2022
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 11324869
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Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.