Nasal Prong Flow Redirection for Conchae-Based Oxygen Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional nasal cannula prongs deliver oxygen in a non-physiologic manner, bypassing the nasal valve and causing turbulent flow, which diminishes the nasal cavity's warming, humidifying, and filtering functions, leading to complications such as crusting, dryness, nosebleeds, septal perforation, discomfort, and reduced alveolar gas exchange.
Innovation Solution
A nasal prong designed to direct airflow superiorly and posteriorly within the nasal cavity, above the inferior concha, around the middle concha, and towards the roof of the nose, creating turbulent airflow and mimicking natural nasal physiology, with features like baffles, ridges, or rifling to enhance airflow dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional nasal cannula prongs are used to deliver oxygen, then oxygen delivery is achieved, but the nasal cavity's warming, humidifying, and filtering functions are bypassed, causing patient discomfort and complications
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of delivering oxygen directly to the patient in a non-physiologic manner that bypasses the nasal valve, the invention inverts the approach by directing oxygen flow to follow the natural physiologic pathway through the nasal valve and along the nasal floor, thereby maintaining the nasal cavity's protective functions while still achieving oxygen delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the nasal cavity's natural anatomy (nasal valve, conchae, and nasal floor) as an intermediary to condition the oxygen flow. The nasal cavity acts as a mediator that warms, humidifies, and filters the oxygen before it reaches the patient's lower respiratory tract, eliminating the need for external conditioning devices
2Quantity of substance
If standard prong design delivers laminar flow along the nasal floor, then oxygen is delivered to the patient, but it bypasses the conchae causing crusting, dryness, nosebleeds, and septal perforation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the flow parameters from laminar flow along the nasal floor to turbulent flow that engages with the conchae. By modifying the flow regime and direction, the oxygen interacts with the nasal cavity's mucosal surfaces, allowing for proper warming and humidification that prevents crusting, dryness, and tissue damage
3Quantity of substance
If oxygen is delivered via traditional cannula prongs, then supplemental oxygen is provided, but air hunger and reduced alveolar gas exchange occur due to non-physiologic flow patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by conditioning the oxygen flow through the nasal cavity's natural structures before it reaches the lower respiratory tract. The nasal valve and conchae pre-warm, pre-humidify, and pre-filter the oxygen, preparing it for optimal alveolar gas exchange and preventing air hunger sensations
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
Improves patient comfort by reducing dryness, nosebleeds, and discomfort while enhancing oxygen saturation and alveolar gas exchange by directing airflow through the nasal conchae, stimulating airflow receptors, and increasing humidity and temperature.
Implementation Method 1
The conchae act as aerodynamic baffles increasing surface area and distributing the gas over a larger mucosal surface for exchange of heat and moisture
Implementation Method 2
The nasal cavity serves three functions: it warms, humidifies, and filters inspired gases
Implementation Method 3
The nasal cavity serves three functions: it warms, humidifies, and filters inspired gases
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A nasal prong comprising a tube configured to be partially placed in a nasal passage of a patient, the tube having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion, and a lumen extending therebetween. The first end having an elongated opening configured to face supero-medially within the nasal passage, wherein airflow out of the elongated opening is directed superiorly and posteriorly within the nasal cavity, above the inferior concha, around the middle concha, and towards the roof of the nose. The intermediate portion of the tube having a bend that keeps the nasal prong on a floor of the nasal passage at and/or near the outer edge of a nostril.