Nasal Membrane Cooling for Rapid Local Brain Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for brain temperature regulation, such as whole body cooling, are not fast enough to effectively prevent brain damage during conditions like stroke or brain trauma, and can lead to cardiovascular complications.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for regulating brain temperature through the nasal cavity using a membrane that conforms to the nasal shape, with catheters for fluid circulation, ensuring optimal fluid flow and pressure control, and utilizing flow meters and temperature sensors for non-invasive temperature regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If whole body cooling is used to protect the brain during ischemia, then brain damage is reduced, but the cooling is not fast enough to effectively use its protective potential and cardiovascular complications occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the cooling system into separate segments: a nasal membrane for local brain cooling and a separate catheter system for body core temperature monitoring and maintenance. This allows independent optimization of cooling speed for the brain while maintaining overall physiological stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local cooling to the brain through the nasal membrane rather than whole-body cooling. The cooling fluid is delivered directly to the nasal cavity where it contacts the brain through the olfactory nerve pathway, providing rapid localized temperature reduction without affecting the entire body.
2Temperature
If whole body cooling is used to protect the brain, then neurological symptoms are reduced, but close control of physiological parameters or anesthesia is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides localized brain cooling through the nasal membrane while maintaining normal body temperature through a heated blanket or warming device. This selective regional temperature control eliminates the need for complex physiological monitoring and anesthesia that would be required for whole-body cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The nasal membrane acts as an intermediary structure that enables direct thermal transfer from the cooling fluid to the brain through the olfactory nerve pathway. This intermediary approach provides efficient brain cooling without requiring systemic physiological intervention.
3Temperature
If whole body cooling is used during circulatory arrest, then brain damage is diminished, but cardiovascular complications and mortality risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into a nasal component for brain cooling and a separate body temperature management system. This allows the brain to be cooled rapidly during circulatory arrest while the body core temperature is maintained through external warming, eliminating the cardiovascular stress of whole-body cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies cooling locally to the brain through the nasal cavity during circulatory arrest, providing neuroprotection without inducing the hypotension and arrhythmias that occur with whole-body cooling. The body core temperature is maintained separately to prevent cardiovascular complications.
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
Facilitates rapid and comfortable brain temperature adjustment with minimal body temperature change, reducing the risk of complications and enabling efficient brain cooling.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane has the shape of the nasal cavity such that when in use, it expands and conforms to the nasal cavity
Implementation Method 2
means for circulating said fluid into said volume via said at least one cranially placed hole on the distal portion of the first catheter and out of said volume via said at least one cranially placed hole and distal opening on the distal portion of the second catheter
Implementation Method 3
A temperature regulator is connected to the reservoir comprising the cooling fluid for regulating the temperature of the fluid
Implementation Method 4
A temperature regulator is connected to the reservoir comprising the cooling fluid for regulating the temperature of the fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (1) for indirect temperature regulation of the brain of a human via a nasal cavity thereof, the device comprising: a membrane (2) having a membrane surface area (A0), a length (L), a center point (C1) with respect to the length (L), a width (W), and a center point (C2) with respect to the width, said membrane (2) adapted to be arranged in contact with a surface of the nasal cavity, said membrane (2) defining a closed volume (V) and having the shape of the nasal cavity such that when in use, it expands and conforms to the nasal cavity, a first catheter (3), a second catheter (4), and means for circulating said fluid into said volume (V) via said first catheter (3) and out of said volume (V) via said second catheter (4).