Biomechanics Perspective for the Design and Manufacture of Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Connectors

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) progressively and irreversibly affects the kidneys and is considered a catastrophic disease on a global scale. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is one of the most used methods of treatment, involving infusion and draining bags and a transfer line. Patients receiving this treatment have a catheter that is placed during surgery; this depends on having the same catheter supplies, as they are not compatible with other market brands. This research shows the comparison between connector brands used at the outlet of the Tenckhoff® catheter. The methodology shows the design of two connectors using the 3D printing technique. Numerical simulations were carried out to establish the flow patterns through each of the designs; the maximum values of velocity reached 74 mm/s inside the PISA to Baxter (PB) connector, while the pressure and vorticity were controlled and did not represent failures inside the connectors and threads connections. An experimental testbed was designed to verify the connections between the manufactured devices and the market brand elements. The results show numerical and experimental comparisons of the developed titanium-ELI connectors with no leaks at the connection points due to the lack of commercial supplies. These connectors can be used in the treatment of CAPD.

Keywords

• 3D printing
• chronic kidney disease
• connectors
• numerical simulation
• testbed