Multi-Lumen Nasal Cannula for Minimizing Nitric Oxide Dilution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nasal cannulas face challenges in accurately delivering nitric oxide (NO) due to dilution and mixing with oxygen and air, particularly during pulsatile flow, leading to reduced efficacy and patient comfort issues.
Innovation Solution
The development of nasal cannulas with specific lumen configurations and materials that minimize oxygen diffusion and retrograde flow, including multi-lumen designs with separate flow paths for NO and oxygen, and the use of materials with low oxygen transmission rates to reduce dilution and mixing, along with check valves to prevent retrograde flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a nasal cannula is used to deliver nitric oxide to patients, then the therapeutic gas can be delivered to the patient, but dilution of the dose occurs due to mixing with oxygen and air
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula is divided into multiple separate lumens (at least three lumens: first for nitric oxide, second for oxygen, third for triggering/sensing) to physically separate the flow paths of different gases. This segmentation prevents mixing and dilution of nitric oxide with oxygen and air while delivering each gas independently to the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful mixing and dilution effects are eliminated by extracting nitric oxide delivery into a separate, dedicated lumen that is physically isolated from oxygen and air pathways. This extraction of the therapeutic gas into its own transport channel prevents contact with diluting gases throughout the delivery system.
2Quantity of substance
If check valves are added to prevent retrograde flow, then dosing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula structure is segmented into multiple lumens with dedicated functions (NO delivery, O2 delivery, triggering/sensing). This segmentation allows check valves to be strategically placed at specific locations within the multi-lumen structure, preventing retrograde flow in critical pathways while maintaining overall system simplicity through functional organization.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If multi-lumen designs with separate flow paths are used, then mixing of gases is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula is manufactured as a multi-lumen structure with separate channels for different gases. This segmentation into distinct lumens prevents gas mixing while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process using conventional tubing and connector assembly techniques, making the design practical for production.
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
These designs enhance the precision and accuracy of NO delivery, reduce patient discomfort, and minimize the formation of nitrogen dioxide, thereby improving treatment efficacy for pulmonary hypertension and other conditions.
Implementation Method 1
cannula materials and/or coatings that limit oxygen diffusion through the cannula walls
Implementation Method 2
utilize cannula configurations that prevent mixing of co-delivered O2 and NO
Implementation Method 3
reduce retrograde flow through the patient end of the cannula
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to, amongst other things, systems, devices, materials, and methods that can improve the accuracy and/or precision of nitric oxide therapy by, for example, reducing the dilution of inhaled nitric oxide (NO). As described herein, NO dilution can occur because of various factors. To reduce the dilution of an intended NO dose, various exemplary nasal cannulas, pneumatic configurations, methods of manufacturing, and methods of use, etc. are disclosed.