Artificial Lung Gas Exchange Control via Oxygen Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of gas exchange in artificial lungs used in extracorporeal circulation apparatuses can fluctuate due to various factors, leading to issues like blood plasma leak and dew condensation, which can deteriorate the apparatus's function and require manual intervention for flushing, potentially resulting in accidents or unnecessary gas consumption.
Innovation Solution
A circulation apparatus with detection means for monitoring blood oxygen concentration, determination means to assess if it's within a target range, and control means to adjust gas supply volume automatically, including a flush operation when necessary, to maintain the artificial lung in a safe condition without manual assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual monitoring and adjustment of gas supply is performed, then operational flexibility is maintained, but the risk of human error and neglect increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring of blood oxygen concentration and self-adjustment of gas supply volume through automated control, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention while maintaining reliable operation of the artificial lung
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors blood oxygen concentration and uses this feedback to automatically adjust gas supply volume, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal gas exchange without human intervention
2Reliability
If flush operation is performed frequently to prevent blood plasma leak, then gas exchange efficiency is maintained, but gas consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors blood oxygen concentration and only performs flush operations when deterioration is detected, rather than at fixed intervals, thereby maintaining gas exchange efficiency while minimizing unnecessary gas consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects early signs of gas exchange deterioration through blood oxygen monitoring and performs flush operations proactively before complete blockage occurs, maintaining efficiency while reducing the frequency and duration of flush operations
3Productivity
If manual adjustment of valve opening ratio is performed, then gas supply can be optimized, but response time and labor requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical valve adjustment with automated electronic control based on blood oxygen concentration readings, enabling real-time optimization of gas supply without human intervention or delay
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors blood oxygen concentration and automatically adjusts valve opening ratio in real-time based on detected changes, eliminating the time delay inherent in manual observation and adjustment
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 apparatus effectively maintains the artificial lung in a safe condition by automatically adjusting gas supply and performing flush operations as needed, preventing efficiency deterioration and reducing manual intervention and gas consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a gas exchange membrane is interposed between the blood and air so that they are not in direct contact with each other
Implementation Method 2
cause the blood to take in oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide gas while in contact with air
Data Source
AI summary
An artificial lung in a circulation apparatus can be monitored and be maintained in a safe condition without manual assistance. As an extracorporeal circulation mode starts, it is determined first whether or not gas exchange of the artificial lung is carried out within a normal range, based on oxygen concentration which is detected by an oxygen sensor positioned at a downstream place in the artificial lung. If the gas exchange is carried out within the normal range, an estimated value for gas supply volume of a gas blender is maintained. When oxygen concentration exceeding the normal range is detected, the gas blender is controlled so as to revise the gas supply volume downward. In addition, when oxygen concentration falls below the normal range, the gas blender is controlled so as to revise the gas supply volume upward.