Nerve Screening Method for Inflammatory Lung Disease Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating inflammatory lung diseases like COPD and asthma, such as lung denervation therapy, face challenges in accurately identifying and ablating the correct nerve associated with airway contraction, leading to potential adverse reactions and ineffective procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to screen and temporarily block candidate nerves for ablation, monitoring patient reactions, and using local anesthetics, cold therapy, or physical force to identify the target nerve before proceeding with ablation, which can be performed using a transbronchial needle advanced through a bronchoscope, with thermal vapor ablation as an option.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If lung denervation therapy is performed without accurate nerve identification, then the procedure can be completed quickly, but adverse reactions occur and treatment effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing temporary nerve block with local anesthetic before permanent ablation. This preliminary step allows clinicians to verify nerve identity and predict treatment response without committing to irreversible damage, thereby ensuring treatment effectiveness before proceeding with the full procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses local anesthetic as an intermediary substance to temporarily block nerve function. This intermediary approach allows for reversible testing of nerve identity and treatment effect, enabling safe verification before permanent ablation and reducing the risk of adverse reactions from incorrect nerve targeting
2Productivity
If the wrong nerve is ablated, then the procedure is completed, but airway obstruction remains unchanged and patient risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary temporary block of the candidate nerve with local anesthetic before permanent ablation. This allows verification that the correct nerve is targeted by observing airway response to the temporary block, ensuring that only nerves producing the desired therapeutic effect are permanently ablated
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by monitoring patient response and airway changes during the temporary nerve block phase. This real-time feedback allows clinicians to confirm correct nerve identification and predict treatment success before proceeding to permanent ablation, preventing adverse reactions from incorrect nerve targeting
3Productivity
If pulmonary parasympathetic nerve and parasympathetic esophageal nerve are intertwined and one is ablated, then the procedure is completed, but inadvertent gastroparesis occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a balloon catheter positioned specifically within the airway to deliver local anesthetic only to the pulmonary parasympathetic nerve in the airway wall. This localized approach spares the parasympathetic esophageal nerve that may be nearby, preventing inadvertent gastroparesis while achieving the desired airway effect
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses locally administered anesthetic through the balloon catheter as an intermediary to selectively test and block only the pulmonary parasympathetic nerve. This localized intermediary approach allows differentiation between intertwined nerves, ensuring only the correct nerve is permanently ablated and preventing gastroparesis
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
This approach allows for precise identification and ablation of target nerves, reducing the risk of adverse reactions and ensuring clinical benefits, thereby improving treatment efficacy for lung inflammatory diseases.
Implementation Method 1
The catheter is activated to temporarily paralyze the candidate nerve, or another tool or instrument may be advanced through the catheter or sheath, or interchanged therewith to temporarily block the candidate nerve
Implementation Method 2
The temporary blocking or paralyzing step is performed using local anesthetic, cold therapy, or via physical force such as pinching or clamping
Implementation Method 3
Ablation may be performed using a wide range of techniques including, for example, thermal vapor ablation
Data Source
AI summary
A screening method for identifying a target nerve to ablate in the treatment of inflammatory lung disease including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. The method includes advancing a tool along the airway and into the vicinity of the candidate nerve. The candidate nerve is temporarily blocked or paralyzed. The patient is monitored for an adverse reaction during the step of temporarily blocking. If an adverse reaction is not observed, the candidate nerve is identified as the target nerve. In embodiments, the method further includes the step of ablating the target nerve.