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HKP Actuators Run Separation Pumps used in Red Blood Cell Exchange Applications

Red Blood Cell Exchange

An RBCX, or a Red Blood Cell Exchange, is a medical procedure used to replace a patient's red blood cells (RBCs) with those from a donor. The process treats medical conditions where a patient's own red blood cells are damaged or diseased, such as sickle cell disease, severe malaria, auto-immune hemolytic anemia or iron overload. 

RBCX treatments improve the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. The goal of RBCX is to reduce the number of abnormal red blood cells and replace them with healthy ones, to improve a patient's health. RBCXs work as follows:

  • Preparation: The machine is connected to a patient’s veins.
  • Blood Removal: The machine draws blood from the patient, separating red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets.
  • Red Blood Cell Exchange: red blood cells are selectively removed and replaced with donor cells. Other components of the patient's blood (plasma, white blood cells and platelets) are returned to the patient.
  • Monitoring & Adjustments: vital signs are closely monitored, and volume adjustments are made as needed.
  • Completion: the exact amount of blood exchanged varies depending on the patient's condition.

The AMICUS Separator System is an automated blood cell separator used in transfusions to collect blood components & mononuclear cells.  There are 3 procedure options in one RBCX system, which gives physicians flexibility to provide individual treatment plans to patients.

 

Exchange

Removes the patient's RBCs and replaces them with compatible donor RBCs to achieve a target FCR, target End Hct and target fluid balance.

Depletion

Removes the patient's RBCs and replaces them with a prescribed replacement fluid to achieve a target End Hct.

Depletion/Exchange

Performs an RBC Depletion procedure, quickly followed by an RBC exchange

HKP actuators run the Blood Cell separation pump, which is critical to the device, and to the RBCX procedure. 

Typical Current Motion Solutions:

HKP linear actuators create force and motion in a straight line. They consist of a rotary motor (stepper, brush DC or brushless servo) and a threaded lead screw with a precision nut. As the motor spins, the actuator converts the motor’s rotation into linear motion by moving the nut in a straight line. The straight-line movement provided by the actuator is used to operate the pump and to make adjustments as necessary. 

Application Challenges:

The following capabilities should be analyzed when selecting a linear actuator for RBCX applications:

  • High repeatability
  • Positioning accuracy
  • Smooth operation
  • Long life
  • Easy (to no) maintenance
  • Ruggedness and reliability for harsh environments
  • Compact design
  • Safe operation
  • Flexibility & versatility.

Flexibility is the Key to Designing RBCX Applications:

Replacing diseased or damaged red blood cells with healthy donor cells via RBCX can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life. RBCX requires specialized and highly flexible equipment to ensure success and a patient’s safety. 

HKP offers a unique line of hybrid stepper motor linear actuators for RBCX applications. HKP actuators are quieter, more efficient, more durable and more flexible than competitive actuators – giving equipment designers a wide range of choices when it comes to developing motion solutions for RBCX applications. 

 
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