Handheld Pressure Support System for COPD Hyperinflation Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
COPD patients experience dyspnea and hyperinflation during exertion, which limits their ability to perform daily activities, and existing treatments like short-acting bronchodilators are ineffective and rely on expensive pharmaceuticals.
Innovation Solution
A portable handheld pressure support system that delivers a pressurized flow of breathable gas to the airway, equipped with sensors and processors to identify hyperinflation and adjust expiratory pressure levels, providing immediate relief from dyspnea and hyperinflation without the need for invasive devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If short-acting bronchodilators are used to treat dyspnea, then pharmaceutical treatment is provided, but the treatment is expensive and mostly effective only for asthmatic-based symptoms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pharmaceutical treatment with a mechanical respiratory support device that delivers pressurized breathable gas to the patient's airway. The device uses a pressure generator, flow sensor, and control system to provide positive air pressure support, substituting chemical bronchodilators with a mechanical breathing assistance system that is effective for COPD patients regardless of asthma component.
2Reliability
If positive pressure is applied to keep airway open, then airway patency is maintained, but hyperinflation during exhalation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pressure adjustment where the expiratory pressure level is automatically modified based on real-time detection of hyperinflation. The control system monitors lung pressure and breathing mechanics, then dynamically reduces expiratory pressure when hyperinflation is detected, allowing the airway to remain patent during normal breathing while preventing harmful pressure buildup during exhalation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from flow sensors and pressure sensors to detect hyperinflation conditions during exhalation. The control system processes this feedback information and automatically adjusts the expiratory pressure level to relieve hyperinflation, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains airway patency while preventing harmful effects.
3Ease of operation
If a portable handheld device is used, then patient mobility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional components into a single handheld unit: pressure generator, flow sensor, pressure sensor, control system, and power source are all combined in one portable device. This merging of functions allows the patient to carry and use the complete respiratory support system independently, improving mobility while managing complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates automatic detection and adjustment capabilities where the control system autonomously monitors breathing parameters, detects hyperinflation, and modifies pressure levels without requiring patient intervention. This self-service functionality reduces the operational burden on patients while maintaining the portability and integrated design of the handheld device.
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
The system effectively alleviates shortness of breath and hyperinflation in COPD patients, allowing for improved exercise capacity and daily functioning without the reliance on expensive medications, by providing adjustable positive airway pressure support.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure generator configured to generate a pressurized flow of breathable gas
Implementation Method 2
one or more sensors configured to generate output signals conveying information related to one or more gas parameters of the pressurized flow of breathable gas
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable handheld pressure support system (10) is configured to provide pressure support therapy to a subject. The pressure support system provides a pressurized flow of breathable gas that is delivered to the airway of the subject to treat COPD and/ or dyspnea, hyperinflation, and/or other conditions. The system is configured to adjust an expiratory pressure level of the pressure support therapy responsive to identification of hyperinflation in the subject. The pressure support therapy provided to the subject is configured to be used as needed to rapidly alleviate shortness of breath, hyperinflation, and/or other symptoms. The pressure support system is configured to be small and lightweight so that the subject may carry the system and use the system as needed.