Implantable Lung Coil for Emphysema Volume Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current bronchoscopic lung volume reduction techniques face limitations due to collateral airflow and the need for precise placement of air sealing devices, which can entrap functional lung parenchyma, and there is a need for a device that prevents bullae formation without eliminating functional lung tissue.
Innovation Solution
An implantable device with an elongated central region of fixed length and anchors at both ends, deployed using a deployment device to securely engage with lung tissue, allowing for controlled reduction of lung volume without tethering or locking mechanisms, ensuring the device's security and effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If one-way valves are used for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction, then lung volume can be reduced, but collateral airflow from adjacent segments inhibits the volume reduction of the treated lobe
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the problematic one-way valve component that is blocked by collateral airflow. Instead of using valves that rely on blocking airflow, the patent employs coils that are delivered into subsegmental airways and recover to a predetermined shape, creating a different mechanism for lung volume reduction that is not dependent on preventing collateral airflow through valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces coils as an intermediary element between the bronchoscope and the lung tissue. These coils are delivered through the bronchoscope and then deploy to create the desired effect, serving as a mediator that achieves lung volume reduction without requiring precise placement of air-sealing devices or being affected by collateral airflow patterns.
2Volume of stationary object
If one-way valves are precisely placed in difficult airways anatomy, then volume reduction can be achieved, but the technical difficulty of accurate placement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bronchoscope serves as an intermediary delivery system that simplifies the placement process. The coils are delivered through the bronchoscope and can be deployed at various locations along its length, allowing for easier navigation and placement compared to requiring precise positioning of valves in difficult airways anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The coils are delivered in a compressed or linear state and then recover to a predetermined three-dimensional shape upon deployment. This dynamic transformation allows the device to be easily delivered through the bronchoscope and then automatically assume its functional configuration, eliminating the need for complex manual positioning.
3Volume of stationary object
If LVR coils are used to reduce lung volume, then emphysematous tissue can be treated, but functional lung parenchyma may be entrapped or ensnared
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies treatment locally to specific subsegmental airways containing emphysematous tissue. The coils are delivered into targeted subsegmental airways and expand to create a localized effect, treating only the diseased tissue while leaving functional lung parenchyma unaffected. This localized approach prevents the entrapment of healthy tissue that would occur with more aggressive volume reduction methods.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable device for control over the size of emphysematous bullae in a lung, including: an elongated central region having a fixed axial length; a first end including a first anchor; and a second end including a second anchor.