Endobronchial Catheter Occlusion for Collateral Ventilation Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing and treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are inadequate in quantifying collateral ventilation, perfusion status, oxygen absorption, and lung functionality, which are crucial for effective endobronchial valve placement and lung volume reduction surgery.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive catheter-based diagnostic system that isolates lung segments using an occluding member to measure respiratory characteristics, oxygen saturation, and tidal flow volume, enabling rapid assessment of collateral ventilation and lung functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If imaging tests are used to diagnose COPD, then the location and progression of diseased tissue can be identified, but direct indication of lung function and respiration is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the lung into different compartments using an occluding member (balloon) that can isolate specific lung segments. This allows separate measurement of respiratory mechanics in each segment, providing both anatomical localization and functional assessment simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic system performs multiple functions through a single integrated approach: it provides anatomical imaging, measures respiratory mechanics (pressure-volume relationships), assesses collateral ventilation, and evaluates lung compliance. This multi-functional system eliminates the need for separate imaging and functional tests.
2Reliability
If endobronchial valves are implanted to reduce lung volume, then hyperinflated compartments can be collapsed, but effectiveness is reduced if collateral ventilation channels are present
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of collateral ventilation by measuring pressure changes in the isolated lung segment before valve implantation. This preliminary action identifies whether collateral channels are present and quantifies their significance, allowing clinicians to predict valve effectiveness and avoid implanting valves in unsuitable candidates.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic system provides feedback on the presence and magnitude of collateral ventilation through quantitative pressure-volume measurements. This feedback loop allows clinicians to assess the likelihood of successful lung collapse before committing to valve implantation, and to monitor treatment response.
3Measurement precision
If current diagnostic methods are used to assess collateral ventilation, then basic pressure changes can be detected, but rapid and accurate quantification of lung functionality is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors pressure and volume parameters throughout the respiratory cycle while the occluding member isolates the lung segment. This continuous measurement approach captures dynamic respiratory mechanics and collateral ventilation in real-time, providing comprehensive data without requiring multiple separate tests.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in pressure and volume parameters during controlled occlusion and release cycles to quantify respiratory mechanics and collateral ventilation. By analyzing these parameter changes systematically, the system rapidly derives multiple functional metrics from a single diagnostic procedure.
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 rapid and accurate determination of collateral ventilation and lung functionality, allowing for personalized treatment decisions in COPD patients, improving the effectiveness of endobronchial valve placement and lung volume reduction surgery.
Implementation Method 1
isolates a lung compartment to obtain various measurements
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for targeting, accessing and diagnosing diseased lung compartments are disclosed. The method comprises introducing a diagnostic catheter with an occluding member at its distal end into a lung segment via an assisted ventilation device; inflating the occluding member to isolate the lung segment; and performing a diagnostic procedure with the catheter while the patient is ventilated. The proximal end of the diagnostic catheter is configured to be attached to a console. The method may also comprise introducing the diagnostic catheter into the lung segment; inflating the occluding member to isolate the lung segment; and monitoring blood oxygen saturation. The method may further comprise introducing the diagnostic catheter into the lung segment; determining tidal flow volume in the lung segment; determining total lung capacity of the patient; and determining a flow rank value based on the tidal flow volume of the lung segment and the total lung capacity.