Electrochemical Nitric Oxide Generation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inhalation therapy for nitric oxide (NO) relies on compressed gas cylinders, which are costly and complex, and lacks precise control over NO generation for therapeutic applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of gas delivery devices that electrochemically generate NO on demand using a copper(II) ligand complex and nitrite, allowing for precise control of NO levels through varying voltage or current, eliminating the need for NO tanks and enhancing therapeutic efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compressed gas cylinders are used for nitric oxide delivery, then reliable NO supply is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compressed gas cylinder system with an electrochemical generation system. Nitric oxide is generated in situ through electrochemical reduction of nitrite ions at a cathode, eliminating the need for stored compressed gas cylinders and their associated complexity while maintaining reliable NO supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The device generates its own nitric oxide supply through electrochemical reactions using readily available nitrite salts and electrical power. This self-service approach eliminates dependency on external compressed gas cylinders, reducing device complexity while ensuring continuous reliable NO delivery.
2Reliability
If compressed gas cylinders are used for nitric oxide delivery, then reliable NO supply is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive nitrite salts as precursors for nitric oxide generation, replacing expensive compressed gas cylinders. The electrochemical cell components can be simple and disposable, significantly reducing the overall cost while maintaining reliable therapeutic NO supply.
Solution Approach 2:
By substituting the expensive compressed gas cylinder infrastructure with an electrochemical generation system using cheap nitrite salts and electrical power, the patent dramatically reduces cost while ensuring reliable NO delivery for therapeutic applications.
3Measurement precision
If electrochemical generation is used, then precise control of NO levels is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback control mechanisms where the electrochemical generation parameters (current, voltage, power) are adjusted based on monitored nitric oxide levels or therapeutic response. This feedback system enables precise control of NO delivery while managing device complexity through intelligent control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves precise control of nitric oxide levels by dynamically adjusting electrochemical parameters such as applied current, voltage, or power to the generation cell. By changing these electrical parameters, precise control over NO production rate is achieved, allowing tailored therapeutic dosing.
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 the generation of a steady therapeutic dose of NO, reducing the need for NO tanks, simplifying the device, and allowing for precise control of NO levels for various medical applications, including reducing platelet activation during cardiopulmonary bypass.
Implementation Method 1
electrochemically generate NO on demand using a copper(II) ligand complex and nitrite
Data Source
AI summary
A gas delivery device includes a nitric oxide generating system. The system has a medium including a source of nitrite ions. A working electrode is in contact with the medium. A Cu(II)-ligand complex is in contact with the working electrode. A reference/counter electrode is, or a reference electrode and a counter electrode are in contact with the medium and separated from the working electrode. An inlet conduit is to deliver nitrogen gas to the medium, and an outlet conduit is to transport a stream of nitrogen gas and nitric oxide from the medium. An inspiratory gas conduit is operatively connected to the outlet conduit to introduce an oxygen-containing gas and form an output gas stream of the gas delivery device.