Hybrid ECMO Oxygen Reserve for Ambulatory Patient Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ECMO systems rely on stationary oxygen sources, which limit patient mobility during ambulation, necessitating cumbersome equipment and complicating ambulatory care.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid oxygen supply system combining an oxygen concentrator and an oxygen tank, managed by a gas management system, provides a mobile oxygen source capable of switching between wall supply and independent operation, optimizing oxygen delivery for both stationary and ambulatory patient conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stationary oxygen source is used in ECMO systems, then oxygen supply reliability is improved, but patient mobility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen supply system is segmented into multiple independent components: a wall oxygen supply for stationary use, a portable oxygen concentrator, and oxygen storage tanks. This segmentation allows the system to switch between stationary and mobile configurations, resolving the contradiction between reliability and mobility by providing different oxygen sources for different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static oxygen supply configuration to a dynamic one where the oxygen source can change based on patient needs. The portable oxygen concentrator and storage tanks enable the system to adapt between stationary hospital environment and mobile ambulatory care, maintaining oxygen supply reliability while improving patient mobility.
2Ease of operation
If a portable oxygen concentrator is used, then patient mobility is improved, but oxygen supply capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Oxygen is pre-stored in high-capacity tanks that can be carried by the patient. This preliminary storage of oxygen substance allows the portable system to provide sufficient oxygen capacity for ambulatory care, resolving the contradiction between mobility and supply capacity by having oxygen ready in advance rather than requiring continuous generation during movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable oxygen concentrator acts as an intermediary device that generates oxygen during ambulatory care when wall supply is unavailable. It supplements the pre-stored oxygen in tanks, providing continuous oxygen supply capacity while maintaining patient mobility during outdoor activities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hybrid oxygen supply system is used, then system complexity is reduced, but oxygen delivery flexibility is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid oxygen supply system integrates multiple functions into a unified platform that serves both stationary hospital care and mobile ambulatory care. The system can automatically or manually switch between wall oxygen supply, portable oxygen concentrator, and stored oxygen tanks, providing universal oxygen delivery capability across different care environments without requiring separate dedicated systems.
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 patient mobility by seamlessly transitioning between stationary and ambulatory oxygen supply, reducing equipment burden and enhancing patient comfort and freedom of movement.
Implementation Method 1
The oxygen concentrator may be configured to store oxygen received from atmospheric air. The oxygen concentrator may be configured to remove nitrogen from the atmospheric air.
Data Source
AI summary
An extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) system for infusing blood with oxygen and for removing carbon dioxide from blood includes a mobile oxygen storage device to provide oxygen to an oxygenator while the patient is either stationary or in ambulation. While the patient is stationary, the oxygen storage device supplies oxygen to the oxygenator for a wall oxygen supply, and excess oxygen from the wall supply additionally refills a reserve oxygen tank. While the patient is ambulating, the oxygen storage device supplies oxygen to the oxygenator for an oxygen concentrator that is supplemented from the oxygen tank, and excess oxygen from the concentrator additionally refills the oxygen tank.