Airway Treatment Device with Segmented Conductive Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical devices for treating asthma and other breathing conditions are not sufficiently therapeutic and often come with side effects, failing to effectively manage complex scenarios of airway distress.
Innovation Solution
A medical device featuring an elongate tubular member with conductive elements and a piston assembly that delivers energy to airway tissues, allowing for the reduction of airway smooth muscle constriction and inflammation by ablating or reducing targeted tissue, thereby improving airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional medical devices are used to treat asthma and airway conditions, then treatment is provided, but the therapeutic effectiveness is insufficient and side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the airway treatment into multiple segments by providing multiple independently controllable conductive elements arranged along the elongate tubular member. Each conductive element can be selectively activated to treat specific portions of the airway, allowing precise control over treatment location and reducing unnecessary treatment of healthy tissue, thereby improving therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies local quality by enabling selective activation of specific conductive elements corresponding to specific airway regions. The control system can activate only the conductive elements needed for treating particular areas of airway constriction or inflammation, concentrating the therapeutic effect locally while avoiding widespread tissue damage and reducing overall side effects.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional devices treat airway conditions, then some treatment effect is achieved, but they fail to manage complex scenarios of airway distress
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic control through the movable piston that selectively engages different conductive elements based on the specific airway condition being treated. The system can adapt its configuration in real-time by adjusting which conductive elements are activated, allowing it to manage complex and varying scenarios of airway distress effectively while maintaining reliable therapeutic outcomes.
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves universality by designing a multi-functional system where multiple conductive elements can be combined in various activation patterns to address different types and severities of airway conditions. This versatile approach enables the single device to handle diverse complex scenarios of airway distress, from mild constriction to severe obstruction, improving both adaptability and therapeutic reliability.
3Productivity
If energy is delivered to airway tissues to reduce constriction and inflammation, then airflow improvement is achieved, but precise control of energy delivery is required
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that monitor airway conditions and piston position in real-time. This feedback information is fed to the control system, which automatically adjusts which conductive elements are activated and at what power levels, simplifying the operator's task while ensuring precise energy delivery to achieve airflow improvement without causing tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining the optimal activation pattern of conductive elements based on sensor feedback and pre-programmed treatment protocols. This reduces the need for manual adjustment and control precision from the operator, making the device easier to operate while maintaining high productivity in terms of airflow improvement.
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
The device effectively treats airway constriction and inflammation, providing a more therapeutic approach with reduced side effects by delivering energy through conductive elements and a piston assembly, improving breathing conditions in patients with asthma and other airway-related disorders.
Implementation Method 1
A medical device featuring an elongate tubular member with conductive elements and a piston assembly that delivers energy to airway tissues
Implementation Method 2
delivering energy through conductive elements and a piston assembly, improving breathing conditions in patients with asthma and other airway-related disorders
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device for treating an airway of a patient. The medical device may include an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The medical device may also include a plurality of conductive elements disposed on a surface of the elongate tubular member. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of conductive elements may be disposed distally of another of the plurality of conductive elements. In addition, each of the plurality of conductive elements may be electrically coupled to a surface of the lumen. The medical device may also include a piston movably disposed within the lumen. The piston may include a distal portion configured to make electrical contact with one or more of the plurality of conductive elements.