Artificial Lung Oxygen Supply Switching for Ambulatory ECMO
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ECMO systems are bulky, limited by complexity, and require prolonged bed rest due to their size and power constraints, necessitating a portable and efficient oxygenation system for ambulatory patients.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode oxygen supply unit combining a pressure-swing oxygen concentrator with a disposable carbon dioxide scrubber, allowing operation on battery or external power, with a recycling mechanism to minimize size, weight, and extend battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the oxygen concentrator operates in portable mode using only battery power, then portability and mobility are improved, but the duration of operation is limited by battery capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two power source configurations: battery-only mode for portability and dual power source mode for extended operation. The power system transitions from a static single-mode design to a dynamic multi-mode design, allowing the operational characteristics to be adjusted based on user needs and environmental conditions.
2Reliability
If the system includes both a blood oxygenator and a carbon dioxide absorber, then the completeness of gas exchange is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the blood oxygenator and carbon dioxide absorber into a single integrated extracorporeal gas exchange system. The blood flow path and gas flow path are merged within one device housing, with the blood oxygenator receiving oxygen-depleted blood and the carbon dioxide absorber receiving carbon dioxide-rich gas, thereby completing both functions of gas exchange in one unified system rather than separate components.
3Device complexity
If the oxygen concentrator delivers unscrubbed oxygen during portable operation, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the quality of oxygen for blood oxygenation may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen delivery system dynamically adapts its complexity based on operational mode. During portable battery-powered operation, the system operates in a simplified mode delivering unscrubbed oxygen to maintain portability. During stationary operation with external power, the system automatically activates the carbon dioxide absorber to provide higher quality scrubbed oxygen, thus dynamically adjusting the level of oxygen processing to match the operational context.
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
Enables ambulatory patients to receive oxygenation without prolonged bed rest, reducing system size and weight while extending battery life and scrubber longevity.
Implementation Method 1
an oxygen concentrator having a membrane for separating oxygen from air
Implementation Method 2
a carbon dioxide absorber
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for providing oxygen rich gas for blood oxygenation not performed on a living human or animal body, said method comprising selectively operating an oxygen concentrator in one of two operating modes, wherein a first operating mode comprises operating from battery power, and a second operating mode comprises operating from an external power source, delivering oxygen from the oxygen concentrator without scrubbing to a blood oxygenator when the oxygen concentrator is operating in a first one of said two operating modes, and combining oxygen from the oxygen concentrator with a carbon dioxide-scrubbed oxygen gas stream and delivering the combined gas stream to the blood oxygenator when the oxygen concentrator is operating in a second one of said two operating modes.