Portable Nitric Oxide Generation System for Wound Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for administering nitric oxide (NO) gas for wound treatment, such as diabetic foot ulcers, involve bulky and hazardous high-pressure tanks, posing safety risks and logistical challenges.
Innovation Solution
A portable NO generation system that utilizes a nitrite source and acidic solution in separate reservoirs, combined with a flow generator and reaction chamber, to produce NO gas on-demand, controlled by a carrier gas, with integrated sensors and filters to ensure safe and precise delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-pressure gas tanks are used for providing NO gas, then NO gas can be delivered, but the system becomes bulky and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the NO gas delivery function into separate components: a portable generation device that produces NO gas on-demand from nitrite and acid solutions, and a separate gas delivery system. This eliminates the need for heavy high-pressure tanks while maintaining reliable NO gas delivery to the wound site.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and storage method of NO gas from compressed gaseous form in high-pressure tanks to chemical precursor solutions (nitrite and acid) at atmospheric pressure. The NO gas is generated on-demand through chemical reaction, transforming the delivery mechanism from storage-based to generation-based, thereby reducing weight and safety hazards.
2Reliability
If high-pressure gas tanks are used for providing NO gas, then NO gas can be delivered, but safety risks increase due to toxic NO2 formation and potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary separation of NO gas from the reaction mixture by directing carrier gas through the reaction chamber to selectively pick up generated NO gas before it can convert to toxic NO2. This preliminary action occurs at the source, preventing harmful byproducts from forming or accumulating.
Solution Approach 2:
A carrier gas acts as an intermediary substance that selectively transports NO gas from the reaction chamber to the wound site. This intermediary mechanism allows controlled delivery of therapeutic NO gas while leaving toxic byproducts in the reaction chamber, where they can be safely managed through the filtration system.
3Reliability
If high-pressure gas tanks are used for providing NO gas, then NO gas can be delivered, but logistical challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The portable generation device is self-contained with integrated components (reservoirs, flow generators, reaction chamber, filtration system) that automatically perform all functions from chemical mixing to gas delivery and waste management. This self-service design eliminates the need for heavy external tanks, complex delivery infrastructure, and frequent manual refilling, greatly improving logistical ease.
4Reliability
If controlled administration of exogenously produced NO gas is implemented, then wound healing is promoted, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent modular components: flow generators for precise liquid delivery, sensors for real-time monitoring of gas concentration and flow rate, and a controller for automated regulation. This modular segmentation allows sophisticated controlled administration while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized interfaces and independent operation of each module.
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
The system provides a safe, portable, and controlled delivery of NO gas at clinically relevant concentrations, reducing exposure to toxic byproducts and enhancing wound healing while minimizing safety risks for patients and healthcare workers.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow generator configured to be in fluid communication with the first reservoir... a second flow generator configured to be in fluid communication with the second reservoir... a housing configured to contain a reaction chamber... The reaction chamber may be disposed downstream of and in fluid communication with at least one of the first flow generator and the second flow generator
Implementation Method 2
The gas chamber may be separated from the reaction chamber by a gas-permeable membrane
Implementation Method 3
a carrier gas source disposed upstream of and in fluid communication with the gas chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of nitric oxide (NO) generation apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided. In some embodiments, an NO generation system may include a first reservoir configured to contain a first solution, a second reservoir configured to contain a second solution, a first flow generator configured to be in fluid communication with the first reservoir, a second flow generator that may be configured to be in fluid communication with the second reservoir, and a housing configured to contain a reaction chamber and a gas chamber. The first solution may include a nitrite source. The second solution may include an acidic solution. The reaction chamber may be in fluid communication with at least one of the first flow generator and the second flow generator. The NO generation system may include a carrier gas source disposed upstream of and in fluid communication with the gas chamber.