Tapered Artificial Bronchus for Emphysema Deflation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for pulmonary emphysema are either invasive, irreversible, or ineffective in preventing collateral air communication and tissue damage, while current bronchial valve technologies face issues like premature closure and collateral ventilation.
Innovation Solution
An implantable artificial bronchus (IAB) with a tapered cylindrical design and side openings, optionally combined with a one-way valve, is introduced via bronchoscopy, allowing controlled air dispersion and deflation without invasive procedures or tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a self-expanding nitinol endobronchial valve with unidirectional air flow is implanted, then air can be expelled from affected areas, but collateral communication between treated and healthy lung areas occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The bronchial tree is segmented into treated and untreated zones by implanting multiple valves at different locations. Each valve creates an isolated treatment zone, preventing air from crossing between treated and healthy areas through collateral channels.
Solution Approach 2:
A perfluoroethylene membrane is introduced as an intermediary barrier between the treated and healthy lung areas. This membrane selectively allows air to be trapped in the treated zone while preventing collateral communication with healthy tissue.
2Productivity
If chemical or steam scarring methods are used to produce mechanical retraction, then initial improvement is achieved, but tissue damage is accelerated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of trapped air pressure into a beneficial mechanical retraction force. The accumulated air pressure within the sealed treatment zone naturally pulls the bronchial walls together, creating scar tissue through compression rather than chemical injury.
Solution Approach 2:
Chemical or thermal scarring methods are replaced with a purely mechanical compression system. The nitinol valve structure and perfluoroethylene membrane work together to apply controlled mechanical pressure, eliminating the need for harmful chemicals or steam.
3Productivity
If nitinol spirals are implanted for mechanical retraction, then pulmonary parenchyma retraction is achieved, but the procedure is irreversible and carries high risk
Solution Approach 1:
The nitinol spiral is designed with dynamic properties that allow it to be compressed for insertion and then automatically expand to its original conformation upon release. This dynamic behavior enables reversible placement without permanent structural alteration, reducing procedural risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The nitinol spiral is pre-compressed to a smaller diameter for easy insertion through the bronchoscope, then automatically expands to its full retraction conformation after placement. This preliminary compression action facilitates safe insertion while maintaining the irreversible retraction function upon deployment.
4Productivity
If ancillary air passages are created in the bronchial wall, then lung emptying is improved, but the passages close prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
A perfluoroethylene membrane is introduced as an intermediary structure that maintains open air passages while preventing their premature closure. The membrane's unique properties allow it to stay patent under pressure while blocking reverse flow, ensuring long-term passage patency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical-chemical parameters of the air passage lining by introducing perfluoroethylene material, which has different mechanical and surface properties than natural bronchial tissue. This parameter change prevents the passages from collapsing or closing prematurely under negative pressure.
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 IAB effectively promotes lung deflation without triggering healing processes, preserving healthy lung tissue and ensuring even air distribution, thus providing a safer and more effective treatment for emphysema.
Implementation Method 1
nitinol spirals (nickel-titanium alloy) are implanted using a straightened bronchoscope and, after the implant, the covers that keep the spiral straightened are removed, causing it to return to its original conformation, thus performing the retraction of the pulmonary parenchyma
Implementation Method 2
The European patent EP1524942 describes a self-expanding nitinol endobronchial valve covered by a silicone membrane, which has a structure that allows unidirectional air flow
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable artificial bronchus (IAB) is provided that is used for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, such as pulmonary emphysema. The implantable artificial bronchus can be made with silicone or nitinol, and has a tapered cylindrical shape. Additional embodiments of this apparatus may be further associated with a one-way valve on the nozzle of the IAB.