Patient-Specific Lung Cast Model for Inhaled Drug Deposition Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for simulating the deposition of inhaled drugs on lungs are inadequate in predicting the quantity and pharmacodynamics effect of inhaled drugs, particularly due to limitations in replicating realistic respiratory flow rates and individual-specific physiological parameters.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that include a mouth-throat model, inhalation device, breath simulator, and controlling unit to simulate respiratory flow and drug dispersion based on individual-specific respiration profiles, with a lung cast model for accurate drug deposition simulation, allowing for differentiation between healthy and diseased individuals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If in-silico simulation techniques are used to predict pharmacokinetic processes, then quantitative assessment of drug deposition can be achieved, but accurate prediction of clinical outcomes remains difficult due to inability to replicate realistic respiratory flow rates and individual-specific physiological parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates physical copies of individual lung anatomy and respiratory physiology using CT scan data to generate patient-specific lung models. These digital twins replicate individual airway structures, lung volumes, and respiratory patterns, enabling accurate simulation of drug deposition for each patient rather than using generic population averages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts simulation parameters including respiratory flow rates, particle size distributions, and lung anatomical dimensions to match individual patient characteristics. By changing these parameters to reflect actual patient physiology, the simulation achieves both high precision in deposition prediction and adaptability to individual conditions.
2Device complexity
If generic respiratory flow rates are used in deposition simulation, then simulation simplicity is maintained, but accuracy in predicting individual drug delivery is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static, generic respiratory flow rates to dynamic, patient-specific flow patterns. The system incorporates real-time respiratory monitoring data and individual breathing patterns into the simulation, allowing respiratory flow parameters to vary dynamically according to each patient's actual physiology and treatment condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary characterization of each patient's respiratory physiology and lung anatomy before the actual drug deposition simulation. By pre-processing CT scans and respiratory data to create customized lung models and flow patterns, the system prepares individual-specific simulation parameters in advance, enabling accurate predictions without increasing operational complexity during treatment.
3Ease of operation
If aerosol delivery is optimized for general population, then delivery system simplicity is maintained, but site of deposition varies significantly among different individuals affecting pharmacodynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing aerosol delivery parameters for each patient's specific lung anatomy and respiratory characteristics. Instead of using uniform delivery settings for the entire population, the system adjusts particle size, concentration, and delivery timing to match each patient's unique lung structure and physiology, ensuring consistent and reliable drug deposition at the intended target sites.
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
Enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of drug deposition on lungs by accurately simulating individual-specific respiratory conditions, improving the prediction of drug delivery and pharmacodynamics effects.
Implementation Method 1
a breath simulator connected to the mouth-throat model and adapted to disperse a respiration flow in the mouth-throat model. The respiration flow is generated based on a respiration profile of the individual.
Implementation Method 2
an inhalation device connected to the mouth-throat model and adapted to disperse a drug in the mouth-throat model
Implementation Method 3
the apparatus includes a mixing inlet formed downstream to the mouth-throat model and the breath simulator, such that the respiration flow and the drug are uniformly mixed while passing through the mixing inlet
Implementation Method 4
a lung cast model formed downstream to the mixing inlet and adapted to receive the mixture to accommodate deposition of the drug
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (100), a system (200), and a method (500) for simulating deposition of an inhaled drug on lungs of an individual are disclosed. The apparatus (100) includes a mouth-throat model (102), an inhalation device (104), and a breath simulator (106) connected to the mouth-throat model (102) for dispersing drug and respiration flow respectively in the mouth-throat model (102). The apparatus (100) also includes a controlling unit (108) in communication with the breath simulator (106) and the inhalation device (104) to detect the dispersion of the respiration flow and actuate the inhalation device (104) to disperse the drug. The respiration flow and the drug are uniformly mixed while passing through a mixing unit (110) formed downstream to the mouth-throat model (102) and the breath simulator (106). The mixture is then received by a lung cast model (112) formed downstream to the mixing unit (110) to accommodate deposition of the drug.