Extracorporeal Blood Temperature Control via Thermal Exchange Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for rapid systemic cooling of patients, such as those experiencing stroke, trauma, cardiac arrest, or myocardial infarction, are either invasive, prolonged, or associated with undesirable side effects like extended heparin use and infection risks, and lack controlled rewarming capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system for extracorporeal blood temperature control utilizing a heat exchanger, thermal exchange module, fluid pump, and blood pump to rapidly cool and warm blood, with a multi-lumen catheter for vascular access and a controller for precise temperature control, enabling rapid cooling and controlled rewarming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If invasive intravascular cooling methods are used to achieve rapid systemic cooling, then cooling speed is improved, but infection risk and heparin use are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thermal exchange module with thermal fluid as an intermediary medium to transfer heat between the patient's blood and the cooling system, eliminating direct contact between cooling fluid and blood, thereby reducing infection risk while maintaining rapid cooling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the cooling process into separate functional modules: a thermal exchange module for heat transfer, a fluid circulation system for coolant delivery, and a blood circulation system for blood flow management, allowing each module to be optimized independently for safety and efficiency
2Speed
If invasive intravascular cooling methods are used to achieve rapid systemic cooling, then cooling speed is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal exchange module serves multiple functions: it acts as a heat exchanger for cooling, a thermal reservoir for temperature regulation, and a filter for blood component separation, reducing the need for separate dedicated components and simplifying overall device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the cooling function with the blood circulation system by integrating the thermal exchange module into the existing extracorporeal blood circulation pathway, allowing simultaneous cooling and blood flow management through a unified system
3Reliability
If extended cooling therapy is provided for neurological diseases, then therapeutic benefit is improved, but duration of treatment is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensors and control systems that continuously monitor patient temperature and adjust cooling intensity in real-time, allowing precise control of cooling duration and intensity to achieve therapeutic benefits while minimizing treatment time and associated risks
4Reliability
If rapid systemic cooling is applied to stroke patients to limit brain damage, then neurological protection is improved, but rewarming control is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal exchange module enables dynamic adjustment of cooling and rewarming rates by controlling fluid flow rate and temperature, allowing rapid cooling for neuroprotection followed by controlled rewarming to prevent thermal shock and complications
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
Facilitates rapid patient cooling and controlled rewarming, reducing neurological and cardiac damage while minimizing invasive procedures and side effects like infection and heparin use.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger for cooling fluid (e.g., water)
Implementation Method 2
Thermal energy is then exchanged between the patient and the circulated fluid to cool the patient
Implementation Method 3
a fluid pump for circulating the fluid through the heat exchanger and the first volume of the thermal exchange module
Implementation Method 4
thermal exchange module having a first volume and a second volume isolated from one another
Data Source
AI summary
A system for extracorporeal blood temperature control includes a heat exchanger configured to cool a circulated fluid, a thermal exchange module including a first volume fluidly isolated from a second volume, a fluid pump, a blood pump, and a controller. The fluid pump can pump the circulated fluid through the heat exchanger and the first volume of the thermal exchange module. The fluid pump can establish a negative pressure within the first volume of the thermal exchange module The blood pump can pump blood through a first blood flow line, the second volume of the thermal exchange module, and a second blood flow line. The controller can cool the blood by controlling thermal exchange between the circulated fluid pumped through the first volume of the thermal exchange module and the blood pumped through the second volume of the thermal exchange module.