Pulmonary Gas Exchange System with Active Dead Space Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for pulmonary gas exchange are limited by dead space volume, which reduces the effectiveness of gas exchange, and require a specific interface with ventilation systems, making them prone to blockages and unreliable support.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a flexible tube, pump unit, and reservoir unit for recirculating exhaled gas, equipped with sensors to monitor and control gas flow, pressure, and composition, allowing independent operation from ventilation systems and minimizing dead space volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a ventilation system is used to administer breathing gas, then gas exchange is supported, but dead space volume increases and gas exchange effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes exhaled gas from the respiratory system through an aspiration line connected to the patient line. The support system includes a pump unit that actively sucks out exhaled gas from the patient line, separating it from the fresh gas flow and preventing its re-inhalation, thereby reducing dead space volume and improving gas exchange effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards exhaled gas containing CO2 and other respiratory wastes through the aspiration line, while recovering and re-using fresh gas from the ventilator's fresh gas source. The pump unit recirculates this fresh gas back through the patient line, ensuring that only fresh gas is inhaled and not the exhaled gas, thus eliminating the harmful re-breathing effect
2Productivity
If a support system is coupled to a ventilation system, then gas exchange is improved, but system complexity and interface requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is designed with universal functionality that can operate independently of specific ventilation systems. The pump unit and reservoir unit form a self-contained system that can be coupled to any ventilation system through standard connections, providing gas exchange support without requiring proprietary interfaces or complex integration
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is designed to function autonomously with the pump unit automatically detecting and responding to breath events. The system self-regulates by monitoring flow and pressure parameters, controlling the pump operation based on actual respiratory needs, and maintaining proper gas exchange without requiring complex external control systems
3Loss of substance
If exhaled gas is re-inhaled, then dead space volume is reduced, but CO2 elimination and oxygenation effectiveness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous effective gas exchange by constantly circulating fresh gas through the patient line while continuously removing exhaled gas. The pump unit operates continuously during the respiratory cycle, maintaining a continuous flow of fresh oxygen-rich gas to the lungs and continuously eliminating CO2-rich exhaled gas, preventing any period of ineffective re-breathing
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 oxygenation and CO2 elimination by reducing rebreathing of exhaled gases, supports spontaneous breathing, and provides flexible therapeutic options without disrupting ventilation systems, enhancing patient care.
Implementation Method 1
The pump unit serves to suction gas from the lungs, the trachea, or the line system of a ventilator and to return it by pumping
Implementation Method 2
The reservoir unit serves to temporarily store the extracted gas before it is returned. This temporary storage can also be used to control the temperature of the gas
Implementation Method 3
The system has a sensor, in particular a sensor for determining the pressure, flow velocity, and/or composition of a gas
Implementation Method 4
A flexible tube (5) can be inserted into the trachea (6) of a patient (2)... The pump unit and the reservoir unit preferably form a single unit and are particularly designed as a piston pump
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system (1) for supporting pulmonary gas exchange in patients (2) and for coupling to a ventilation system (47) or for use in non-ventilated patients (2), comprising a flexible tube (5) insertable into the trachea (6) of a patient (2), a pump unit (15), a reservoir unit (12), and a control unit (37) such that suction, particularly end-expiratory, and recirculation, particularly end-inspiratory, of the aspirated gas can be set via the flexible tube (5) by means of the pump unit (15). In order to operate the system independently of a ventilation system (47), the invention proposes that the system (1) include a sensor (19, 24, 32).