Acoustic Resonance Device for Nitric Oxide Enrichment in Lungs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for COPD and pulmonary hypertension often rely on external nitric oxide sources or medications that have limited impact on airflow obstruction and vascular resistance, and there is a need for non-drug therapy to enhance nitric oxide levels in the lungs, especially in home healthcare settings where external sources are not applicable.
Innovation Solution
A device that detects the respiration cycle and applies acoustic or vibratory stimuli at the resonant frequency of the paranasal sinus to enhance nitric oxide flow into the lungs during inhalation, without requiring external nitric oxide sources, using a detector and stimulator controlled by a controller to optimize nitric oxide enrichment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If external nitric oxide sources are used to enhance nitric oxide levels in the lungs, then nitric oxide concentration in the alveoli is improved, but device complexity and applicability for home healthcare deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables the patient's own paranasal sinuses to serve as the nitric oxide source. The sinuses naturally produce and store nitric oxide, which is then released into the airway during breathing. This eliminates the need for external nitric oxide cylinders or generation systems, making the device suitable for home healthcare while maintaining effective nitric oxide delivery to the lungs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and utilizes the nitric oxide already present in the patient's paranasal sinuses. By applying acoustic stimulation, the device enhances the release of endogenous nitric oxide from the sinuses into the airway, thereby obtaining the desired substance (nitric oxide) from within the body rather than from external sources.
2Quantity of substance
If acoustic stimulation is applied continuously to enhance nitric oxide flow from paranasal sinuses, then nitric oxide concentration in inspired air is improved, but loss of nitric oxide during expiration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic stimulation is applied periodically and synchronously with the patient's breathing cycle. The stimulator delivers acoustic energy during the inspiration phase when nitric oxide release is beneficial, and reduces or stops stimulation during expiration when nitric oxide would otherwise be washed out. This timing optimization maximizes nitric oxide delivery to the lungs while minimizing loss during exhalation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates sensors that detect the patient's breathing cycle (inspiration and expiration phases) and use this information to control the timing of acoustic stimulation. This feedback mechanism ensures the stimulator activates at the appropriate moment in the respiratory cycle, coordinating nitric oxide enhancement with the natural breathing pattern to prevent waste during expiration.
3Productivity
If acoustic stimulation frequency is increased to improve sinus ventilation, then nitric oxide outflow from sinuses is improved, but nitric oxide concentration in inspired air deteriorates due to excessive washing out
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic stimulation is applied periodically and synchronously with the patient's breathing cycle. The stimulator delivers acoustic energy during the inspiration phase when nitric oxide release is beneficial, and reduces or stops stimulation during expiration when nitric oxide would otherwise be washed out. This timing optimization maximizes nitric oxide delivery to the lungs while minimizing loss during exhalation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates sensors that detect the patient's breathing cycle (inspiration and expiration phases) and use this information to control the timing of acoustic stimulation. This feedback mechanism ensures the stimulator activates at the appropriate moment in the respiratory cycle, coordinating nitric oxide enhancement with the natural breathing pattern to prevent waste during expiration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach increases nitric oxide concentration in the alveoli, improving vascular dilation and reducing pulmonary blood pressure, thereby addressing the limitations of existing treatments by leveraging the body's natural nitric oxide production for enhanced vasodilation and ventilation.
Implementation Method 1
These humming frequencies create an acoustic resonance in the sinus and lead to an improved ventilation of the sinuses and an increased outflow of nitric oxide
Implementation Method 2
The outflow of nitric oxide during expiration can be stimulated by humming, which involves voluntarily generating acoustic signals at humming frequencies
Implementation Method 3
The nitric oxide in the inspired air migrates in the alveoli through cell membranes into the pulmonary blood vessels
Implementation Method 4
a detector for detecting the timing of the respiration cycle of the subject, wherein said respiration cycle comprises an alternating occurrence of an inspiration event (or inspiration phase) and an expiration event (or expiration phase)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A device is provided for controlling the nitric oxide levels within the lungs of a subject. The device comprises a detector for detecting the respiration cycle of the subject and a stimulator for applying an acoustic or vibratory stimulus to the subject. The stimulator is controlled in dependence on the detected respiration cycle. In particular, acoustic stimulation may be provided at the onset of inspiration. In this way, the nitric oxide flow can be controlled in a way to ensure that the paranasal nitric oxide is nearly fully inspired. This provides a higher nitric oxide concentration in the lung/alveoli.