Pulmonary Tissue Modification With Non-Thermal Airway Cell Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for pulmonary disorders such as COPD, asthma, and bronchiectasis are inadequate due to non-compliance with inhaled therapies, side effects of oral medications, and limitations of interventional procedures that cause inflammation and remodeling, failing to effectively target specific airway structures and pathogens.

Innovation Solution

A pulmonary tissue modification system using high voltage pulses to deliver non-thermal energy via a catheter, selectively removing or modifying cells associated with hypersecretion and abnormal function in the airway walls, while maintaining the collagen matrix for regeneration of healthy tissue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If interventional procedures are used to treat pulmonary disorders, then airway obstruction can be reduced, but inflammation and remodeling are caused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairway obstruction reductionVSAvoidinflammation and remodeling

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces thermal ablation mechanisms with a mechanical catheter-based system that delivers controlled energy to selectively remove mucus and debris from airways without causing widespread inflammation or tissue remodeling, thus maintaining airway patency while minimizing harmful effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies treatment locally to specific airway segments affected by mucus hypersecretion and debris accumulation, using a catheter that can be positioned precisely within target airways to deliver energy only where needed, avoiding unnecessary damage to surrounding healthy tissue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If inhaled therapies are used for pulmonary disorders, then medication can reach the lungs, but patient compliance is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedication deliveryVSAvoidpatient compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a self-contained catheter system that can be introduced through the natural airway without requiring patient coordination or inhalation effort, eliminating the compliance issues associated with traditional inhalers by making the treatment process passive and operator-controlled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If oral medications are used for pulmonary disorders, then systemic treatment is achieved, but side effects occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystemic treatment effectVSAvoidside effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention delivers treatment locally to affected airway regions through catheter-based energy application, concentrating the therapeutic effect where needed while avoiding systemic distribution of medication that causes side effects, thus achieving targeted treatment with minimal harm to other body systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Productivity

If high voltage pulses are delivered to airway wall, then cells associated with hypersecretion are removed, but tissue damage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell removal efficiencyVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies high voltage pulses in a controlled, partial manner to specifically target and remove cells associated with mucus hypersecretion while preserving the overall airway wall structure and function, using energy doses sufficient for selective cell removal but insufficient to cause widespread tissue damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a catheter as an intermediary device that delivers high voltage pulses through a controlled interface to the airway wall, allowing precise energy delivery that targets pathological cells while the catheter structure and controlled energy parameters prevent excessive energy transfer that would cause tissue damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Reduces mucus hypersecretion and airway obstruction, regenerates healthy tissue, and minimizes inflammatory response, leading to fewer exacerbations and improved quality of life.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNon-thermal energy delivery: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 2

maintaining the collagen matrix for regeneration of healthy tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCollagen matrix preservation:

Data Source

PatentUS12349967B2Methods, apparatuses, and systems for the treatment of pulmonary disorders

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 GALVANIZE THERAPEUTICS INC

AI summary

Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for treating pulmonary tissues via delivery of energy, generally characterized by high voltage pulses, to target tissue using a pulmonary tissue modification system (e.g., an energy delivery catheter system). Example pulmonary tissues include, without cells), lamina propria, submucosa, submucosal glands, basement membrane, smooth muscle, cartilage, nerves, pathogens resident near or within the tissue, or a combination of any of these. The system may be used to treat a variety of pulmonary diseases or disorders such as or associated with COPD (e.g., chronic bronchitis, emphysema), asthma, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), acute bronchitis and/or other pulmonary diseases or disorders.