Endobronchial Catheter Occlusion Using Gas Sensing for Lung Segment Diagnosis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for quantifying collateral ventilation in lung compartments are time-consuming and prone to complications due to the need for prolonged sedation and maintenance of catheter position, compromising assessment accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A minimally invasive catheter-based system for lung compartment isolation using an expandable occluding member, coupled with gas concentration and flow measurement, to determine the presence and degree of collateral ventilation through CO2, O2 concentration fluctuations, or flow dynamics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional pressure-based methods are used to quantify collateral ventilation, then measurement can be performed, but the procedure takes 2-5 minutes and requires prolonged sedation and catheter position maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollateral ventilation measurementVSAvoidprocedural time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical pressure-based measurement system with a gas concentration-based detection system. Instead of using pressure sensors and flow dynamics, the invention uses gas concentration sensors to detect changes in CO2 and O2 levels within the isolated lung compartment, providing rapid measurement without the time-consuming pressure equilibration processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from pressure to gas concentration. By monitoring changes in CO2 and O2 concentrations rather than pressure changes, the system achieves rapid quantification of collateral ventilation resistance without requiring prolonged measurement periods or patient sedation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If traditional pressure-based methods are used to quantify collateral ventilation, then measurement can be performed, but complications arise from prolonged sedation and catheter position maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollateral ventilation measurementVSAvoidassessment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs the patient's own respiratory process to drive the measurement. The patient's normal breathing automatically creates the gas concentration changes needed for measurement, eliminating the need for external pressure application, prolonged sedation, or complex catheter position maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If gas concentration measurement is used, then rapid assessment is enabled, but requires accurate detection of CO2 and O2 fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassessment speedVSAvoidgas concentration detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a multi-functional diagnostic catheter that combines occlusion capabilities with gas concentration detection. The single device performs both lung compartment isolation and rapid gas analysis, enabling quick assessment without requiring multiple separate instruments or complex setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables rapid and accurate assessment of collateral ventilation by measuring CO2 or O2 concentrations and flow patterns, reducing procedural time and enhancing diagnostic precision.

Implementation Method 1

measuring CO2 concentration within the isolated lung compartment over time

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas concentration measurement:

Implementation Method 2

measuring flow into the lung compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow measurement:

Implementation Method 3

measuring pressure within the lung compartment and flow into the lung compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS12471800B2Systems and methods for endobronchial diagnostics

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 PULMONX CORP

AI summary

Methods and systems for accessing and diagnosing diseased lung compartments are disclosed. Methods may comprise introducing a diagnostic catheter with an occluding member at its distal end into a lung segment; inflating the occluding member to isolate the lung compartment; and performing a diagnostic procedure with the catheter. The proximal end of the diagnostic catheter is configured to be attached to a console. Methods may also include allowing air to enter the lung compartment through the passage in the catheter while the patient is inhaling and blocking air from being expelled from the lung compartment through the catheter passage while the patient is exhaling by using a one-way flow element adapted to be disposed within or in-line with the passage of the catheter so that flow in a proximal-to-distal direction is allowed and flow in a distal-to-proximal direction is inhibited or prevented.