Nitric Oxide Cartridge Delivery for Ventilator and ECMO Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nitric oxide delivery systems for mechanical ventilation and ECMO are complex, requiring multiple systems for different dosing and lack independent dose control and feedback, especially in ECMO-specific scenarios, and there is a need for a simple, single-use container that can produce nitric oxide efficiently for both systems.
Innovation Solution
A single-use container with a first chamber containing N2O4 and a second chamber with an antioxidant material, positioned to react and produce nitric oxide when activated, integrated with an apparatus for precise delivery to both mechanical ventilation and ECMO systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple nitric oxide delivery systems are used for mechanical ventilation and ECMO, then independent dose control for each system is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a reusable controller and disposable cartridges, each designed for specific delivery scenarios. The controller segments control functions (dose adjustment, feedback monitoring) from the delivery mechanism (cartridge), allowing independent optimization of each component while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed as a universal platform that can work with different types of cartridges (mechanical ventilation cartridges and ECMO cartridges) through standardized interfaces. This multi-functionality allows a single device to provide independent dose control for both delivery systems without requiring separate complex systems.
2Device complexity
If a single-use container with integrated reactants is used, then system simplicity is improved, but manufacturing and loading complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reactants (N2O4 and antioxidant) are pre-loaded and pre-positioned in separate compartments within the cartridge during manufacturing. The cartridge is pre-assembled with all necessary components in their correct positions, so that at the point of use, only a simple activation step is required to initiate the nitric oxide generation reaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge design nests multiple functional elements within a compact structure: the N2O4 reservoir, antioxidant bed, heating element, and flow channels are all integrated within a single disposable unit. This nested arrangement simplifies the overall system architecture while managing the complexity of having multiple components in one package.
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
Enables efficient, precise, and simultaneous nitric oxide delivery to both mechanical ventilation and ECMO systems with independent dose control and feedback, simplifying the process and reducing system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the NO2 gas is generated via a phase change of liquid N2O4
Implementation Method 2
nitric oxide is produced through a chemical reaction between NO2 gas and an antioxidant
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a system and method comprising an apparatus for delivering a therapeutic amount of nitric oxide to a subject, the apparatus comprising at least one air inlet; a first receptacle configured to host a first source of nitric oxide; a second receptacle configured to host a second source of nitric oxide; a control unit configured to communicate with the first receptacle and the second receptacle and to selectively couple the at least one air inlet to at least one of the first receptacle or the second receptacle to deliver the nitric oxide from the first or the second source; a first outlet coupled to the first receptacle to deliver nitric oxide; and a second outlet coupled to the second receptacle to deliver nitric oxide. The first source can be provided to a ventilator and the second source can be provided to an ECMO device.