Anesthetic Circuit Membrane for CO2 Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anesthetic circuits face challenges in effectively retaining and re-circulating exhaled molecular anesthetic agents while reducing carbon dioxide levels to prevent acidosis and minimize the use of costly anesthetic agents, often using carbon dioxide absorbers that can produce harmful by-products or require membrane replacement.
Innovation Solution
An anesthetic circuit featuring a dense, non-porous membrane made of polymeric material that is impervious to exhaled volatile molecular anesthetic agents and pervious to exhaled oxygen and carbon dioxide, allowing for selective separation and retention of anesthetic agents, thereby reducing carbon dioxide levels and maintaining oxygen saturation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If carbon dioxide absorbers (soda lime or baralyme) are used to reduce exhaled carbon dioxide, then carbon dioxide levels are reduced, but harmful chemicals (compound A) are produced with nephro and cerebo toxic effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the carbon dioxide removal function from the anesthetic circuit by using a separate membrane-based CO2 removal device that selectively removes carbon dioxide from the breathing circuit without requiring chemical absorption, thereby eliminating the production of harmful compound A while still achieving effective carbon dioxide reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a membrane as an intermediary component that selectively separates carbon dioxide from the breathing mixture. This membrane acts as a mediator between the need for CO2 removal and the need to avoid harmful chemical reactions with anesthetic agents, allowing CO2 removal without compound A formation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If membranes impregnated with chemically reactive substances are used to reduce exhaled carbon dioxide, then carbon dioxide levels are reduced, but the membrane degrades or becomes contaminated overtime requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a membrane with specific regional properties - the membrane has different permeability characteristics in different regions or layers, allowing selective passage of carbon dioxide while maintaining structural integrity and resistance to degradation from chemical exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite membrane materials that combine multiple substances with complementary properties - one component provides selective carbon dioxide permeability while another component provides resistance to degradation and contamination, extending the membrane's operational lifespan
3Loss of substance
If conventional anesthetic circuits are used to re-use anesthetic agent, then anesthetic agent usage is reduced, but carbon dioxide content in exhaled mixture increases requiring removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the breathing circuit into distinct functional zones - one zone for anesthetic agent delivery and another zone for carbon dioxide removal. This segmentation allows the anesthetic agent to be recirculated effectively while simultaneously removing accumulated carbon dioxide through the membrane-based removal device
4Reliability
If carbon dioxide is removed from exhaled fluid mixture, then pH value is maintained, but oxygen content must be preserved to maintain oxygen saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the permeability characteristics and operational parameters of the membrane-based CO2 removal device to optimize the balance between carbon dioxide removal efficiency and oxygen preservation, ensuring that CO2 is removed while maintaining adequate oxygen levels for patient safety
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 solution effectively reduces carbon dioxide levels in the exhaled mixture, allowing for the re-circulation of anesthetic agents, minimizing the need for fresh agent administration, and preventing harmful by-product formation, while maintaining oxygen levels and extending membrane lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane (38) comprising at least one polymeric material, in fluid communication with the flow passage, located downstream from the entry inlet, and at least partially impervious to the exhaled volatile molecular anesthetic agent to at least partially retain the exhaled volatile molecular anesthetic agent in the flow passage after the exhaled fluid mixture contacts the membrane
Data Source
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AI summary
An anesthetic circuit is provided for treating a patient. The anesthetic circuit comprises a membrane comprising a polymeric material. In one embodiment, the membrane is at least partially impervious to exhaled molecular anesthetic agent and is substantially pervious to exhaled oxygen and exhaled carbon dioxide. In a further embodiment, a method is provided for anesthetic treatment of a patient.