Modular Ambulatory Lung Assist Device Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ambulatory ECMO systems for lung support are bulky, cumbersome, and require frequent oxygenator exchanges, leading to patient deconditioning and increased postoperative complications.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a plurality of fiber bundle sections with unique properties and a base section with a pressurizing mechanism, allowing for efficient gas exchange and blood flow, thereby providing a more compact and efficient lung assist device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current ambulatory ECMO systems are used, then lung support function is provided, but the systems are bulky and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a reusable base unit and disposable fiber bundle sections. The base unit contains the pump and control systems, while the fiber bundles are separate replaceable components. This segmentation allows the bulk of the system to be minimized in the reusable portion, and the disposable sections to be compact yet functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by using a high surface area to volume ratio fiber bundle design, which increases gas exchange efficiency per unit volume. This allows for a more compact overall system while maintaining adequate lung support function.
2Reliability
If current ambulatory ECMO systems are used, then lung support is provided, but frequent oxygenator exchanges are required
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber bundle sections are designed as disposable components that can be pre-packaged and sterilized. When a fiber bundle reaches its service life or becomes contaminated, it is simply replaced with a new pre-sterile section, eliminating the need for complex cleaning and sterilization procedures and reducing exchange time.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable fiber bundle sections are pre-sterilized and pre-packaged before use. This preliminary preparation ensures that when exchange is needed, the replacement component is ready to install immediately without requiring sterilization procedures, thus reducing the time loss associated with oxygenator exchange.
3Reliability
If current ambulatory ECMO systems are used, then respiratory support is provided, but patient deconditioning occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the heavy pump components into a reusable base unit that can be stationary, and using lightweight disposable fiber bundle sections that can be worn ambulatorily, the system enables patient mobility while maintaining respiratory support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the weight and volume parameters of the ambulatory portion by using efficient fiber bundle design and minimizing the mass of disposable components, allowing patients to move freely without being burdened by heavy equipment.
4Volume of moving object
If modular fiber bundle sections are used, then device compactness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reusable base unit is designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate different disposable fiber bundle sections. This multi-functionality allows a single base unit to work with various fiber bundle configurations, reducing overall system complexity despite the modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable fiber bundle sections are designed to be simple, single-use components with standardized interfaces. This simplicity in the disposable portions offsets the complexity of the modular system, as each section is straightforward to install and remove without requiring complex control mechanisms.
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 achieves efficient gas transfer and biocompatibility, reducing patient deconditioning and postoperative complications, while allowing for ambulatory use and potential use in both pediatric and adult patients.
Implementation Method 1
The fiber bundle includes a plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers adapted or configured to permit diffusion of gas between blood and an interior of the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers
Data Source
AI summary
A system for lung assist includes a fiber bundle section including a fiber bundle housing defining a fiber bundle compartment therein, and a fiber bundle within the fiber bundle compartment. The fiber bundle housing includes a first interface on a second end of the fiber bundle housing opposite a first end thereof. The system further includes a base section having a housing including a pressurizing section including a pressurizing compartment and an interface section. The interface section includes an extending section which extends from a lateral end of the pressurizing section. The interface section includes a second interface formed on the extending section, which includes a releasable seal member configured to form a releasable sealing connection with the first interface of the fiber bundle section. The base section housing and the fiber bundle housing are separate elements connected by a releasable, sealing connection between the first and second interfaces.