Partial Liquid Ventilation Apparatus with Pressure-Regulated Fluid Delivery

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing partial liquid ventilation (PLV) devices are bulky, inefficient, and prone to causing barotrauma due to pressure changes during cardiopulmonary resuscitation or patient breathing, and they fail to adapt to individual patient needs for effective heat exchange.

Innovation Solution

A compact and lightweight PLV apparatus with pressure sensors and valves that adjust fluid delivery based on airway pressure, allowing for efficient heat exchange while preventing excessive pressure and negative pressure damage, and incorporating a turbine pump for aerating liquids and enhancing heat transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional PLV apparatus is used, then liquid ventilation can be provided, but the device becomes bulky and heavy requiring multiple pumps and reservoirs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid ventilation capabilityVSAvoidapparatus weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (liquid delivery, gas delivery, vacuum extraction, and heat exchange) into a single integrated endotracheal tube system, eliminating the need for separate bulky pumps and reservoirs while maintaining full PLV capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The endotracheal tube is designed as a multi-functional device that can deliver liquid, deliver gas, extract fluid, and perform heat exchange through different lumens and mechanisms within a single component, replacing multiple specialized devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If liquid is cooled before leaving the reservoir, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the liquid warms up again during travel in the tube assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid temperatureVSAvoidcooling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates insulation or active cooling mechanisms within the tube assembly to maintain liquid cooling from the reservoir through delivery to the lungs, preventing re-warming during transit and sustaining heat exchange efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a thermal management mechanism (such as insulation or a secondary cooling fluid) as an intermediary between the cooled liquid and the ambient environment to prevent heat transfer and maintain liquid temperature during delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of substance

If volumetric extraction is used, then liquid can be removed from lungs, but excessive negative pressure is created in the thoracic cavity causing patient harm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid removalVSAvoidnegative pressure damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates pressure sensors that provide feedback to the control system, which adjusts the vacuum extraction rate to maintain safe pressure levels in the thoracic cavity while still achieving effective liquid removal from the lungs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The extraction system transitions from fixed volumetric extraction to dynamic pressure-regulated extraction, where the extraction rate automatically adjusts based on real-time pressure measurements to prevent harmful negative pressure while maintaining liquid removal efficacy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If pressure based PLV is used, then adaptation to individual patient needs is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient adaptationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated pressure-based control algorithms that automatically adjust liquid delivery and extraction rates based on real-time pressure sensor data, enabling patient-specific adaptation without requiring complex manual configuration or monitoring by operators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 apparatus provides safe and efficient heat exchange to the lungs, reducing the risk of barotrauma and improving heat transfer efficiency, while being adaptable to individual patient conditions and procedures like CPR.

Implementation Method 1

Liquid ventilation can use the lungs as heat exchangers by pumping a chilled liquid and gas mixture into the lungs and, in turn cooling the blood as it flows through the lung tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

incorporating a turbine pump for aerating liquids and enhancing heat transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAeration: Aeration

Data Source

PatentUS11383058B2Apparatus and method for delivering fluids and/or gases to the lungs

Publication Date: 2022.07.12 SUSPENDED ANIMATION INC

AI summary

An apparatus and method for providing heat exchange in the lungs of the mammal during partial liquid ventilation are provided. The apparatus and method can control delivery and removal of partial liquid ventilation to the lungs of a mammal by responding to pressure change in the lungs to minimize danger of causing barotrauma to the patient.