Noninvasive Fluid Stimulation Chamber for Edema Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients with chronic pathological conditions such as congestive heart failure experience fluid imbalance leading to edema, which is often treated with diuretics but results in resistance and reduced effectiveness over time.
Innovation Solution
The development of non-invasive systems and methods for controlled skin fluid transfer, utilizing techniques such as localized heat, humidity, and airflow to stimulate sweat production, and neural stimulation to manage fluid removal independently of pharmaceuticals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If diuretics or pharmaceutical treatment is used to remove excess fluid, then fluid removal effectiveness is improved initially, but treatment resistance develops over time reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pharmaceutical treatment (chemical system) with a physical system consisting of a chamber that applies controlled heat, humidity, and airflow to stimulate sweat production. This mechanical/physical approach avoids the development of drug resistance while maintaining fluid removal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the treatment parameters by controlling temperature, humidity, and airflow within the chamber to optimize sweat production. By adjusting these physical parameters, the system achieves effective fluid removal without relying on pharmaceuticals, thereby avoiding treatment resistance.
2Reliability
If conventional pharmaceutical treatment is used, then fluid removal is achieved, but patient mobility and comfort are reduced due to frequent hospital visits
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables patients to perform fluid removal treatment at home using a portable chamber device, eliminating the need for frequent hospital visits. The patient independently controls the treatment parameters and manages their own care, thereby maintaining mobility and comfort while achieving reliable fluid removal.
3Productivity
If heat is applied to stimulate sweat production for fluid removal, then fluid removal rate is improved, but risk of overheating and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that monitor temperature, humidity, and airflow parameters within the chamber in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust heating intensity and airflow rates to maintain optimal conditions for sweat production while preventing overheating and ensuring patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts multiple parameters including temperature, humidity, and airflow rate to optimize fluid removal while preventing harmful effects. By coordinating changes in these parameters, the system achieves high fluid removal rates without causing overheating or discomfort.
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
These methods allow for efficient removal of excess interstitial fluid, reducing hospital visits and managing fluid overload without the limitations of pharmaceutical resistance, while maintaining patient mobility and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
the chamber generates heat at controlled temperatures between about 32° C. and about 50° C.
Implementation Method 2
controlled relative humidity equal to or less than about 85%
Implementation Method 3
controlled flow rate of between about 0.2 cubic meters per minute and about 4 cubic meters per minute
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for treating fluid overload in a subject comprise shifting fluids directly and non-invasively from an interstitial compartment of the subject to skin of the subject through controlled local sweating. Methods of the invention allow for removal of excess fluid from the interstitial compartment of the subject and treat fluid overload in the subject. Sweat stimulation systems comprise a chamber and first and second relative humidity sensors. The chamber is sized to fit around a body part of a subject, comprises an inlet and an outlet, and is configured such that air flows through the chamber from the inlet to the outlet. The first relative humidity sensor is operably located inside the inlet, and the second relative humidity sensor is operably located proximate the outlet.