Endobronchial Flow Control for Regional Ventilation Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical ventilation systems lack the ability to provide regionally targeted ventilation, measure pressure, flow, or volume at subunits of the lung, and adjust settings to optimize ventilation therapy.
Innovation Solution
A bronchial sensor device with Micro-Bot technology measures fluid pressure and calculates flow, combined with an electronic controller to adjust ventilation settings and an endobronchial valve to control airflow, enabling regional ventilation management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single interface (trachea and endotracheal tube) is used for mechanical ventilation, then the ventilation system is simple and easy to operate, but it is impossible to measure pressure, flow, or volume at subunits of the lung and to provide regionally targeted ventilation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lung into multiple independently controllable regions by placing endobronchial valves in different bronchi. Each valve can be controlled separately to regulate airflow to specific lung lobes or segments, enabling regional ventilation measurement and control while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces endobronchial valves as intermediary devices placed in the bronchial tree to act as controllable gates between the tracheal ventilation system and individual lung regions. These valves serve as mediators that enable localized flow and pressure control without requiring complete system redesign
2Adaptability or versatility
If endobronchial valves are placed to enable regional ventilation control, then regionally targeted ventilation becomes possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The endobronchial valves described in the patent are designed to perform multiple functions: they can completely occlude bronchi for lung volume reduction, partially restrict flow for regional ventilation control, and work in conjunction with sensors to enable measurement and feedback control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hierarchical structure where endobronchial valves are nested within the existing bronchial tree anatomy, and sensor devices can be positioned within or near the valves. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to coexist in a compact configuration rather than requiring separate external systems
3Ease of operation
If homogeneous ventilation is provided through single interface, then the ventilation system is simple to control, but it cannot address heterogeneous lung conditions such as lobar pneumonia, atelectasis, or ARDS
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables different ventilation parameters (pressure, flow, volume, PEEP) to be applied to different lung regions based on their specific pathological conditions. For example, a collapsed lobe can receive higher pressure to achieve recruitment, while an emphysematous region can have flow restricted, allowing customized treatment for each affected area
4Reliability
If mechanical ventilation is applied through trachea only, then the system is simple and reliable, but it cannot locally adjust pressure, flow, or volume settings for different lung regions
Solution Approach 1:
The endobronchial valves are positioned and configured in advance within the bronchial tree to pre-establish regional flow control capabilities. This preliminary placement allows the system to maintain simple tracheal interface operation while having the option to activate regional control when needed, preserving reliability while adding adaptability
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 regionally targeted ventilation, allowing for localized pressure, flow, and volume control, reducing lung injury and improving ventilation efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor device (10) for measuring fluid pressure in a bronchus (B) of the patient (P)
Implementation Method 2
an electronic controller (13) configured to: receive the fluid pressure data from the bronchial sensor device (10); and calculate a fluid flow measurement through the bronchus (B) based on the measured fluid pressure
Implementation Method 3
an endobronchial valve (20) configured to: block the bronchus (B) to prevent fluid passage therethrough
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A medical device for treating an associated patient includes a bronchial sensor device configured to measure fluid pressure in a bronchus of the associated patient; and an electronic controller configured to: receive the fluid pressure data from the bronchial sensor device; and calculate a fluid flow measurement through the bronchus based on the measured fluid pressure.