Pulsed Nitric Oxide Delivery Device for Toxic Byproduct Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for delivering nitric oxide pose risks such as the formation of toxic byproducts, methemoglobinemia, and a 'rebound' effect due to continuous inhalation, particularly with high concentrations, necessitating a safer delivery method.
Innovation Solution
A pulsed or intermittent delivery of nitric oxide interspersed with breaths of oxygen-enriched air, using a device with separate or combined delivery tubes and a NO generation cartridge that converts NO2 to NO, with antioxidants like ascorbic acid or tocopherols, allowing for controlled and safe administration of high concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous inhalation of high concentration nitric oxide is used, then therapeutic effect is improved, but toxic reactions and rebound effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by delivering nitric oxide in intermittent pulses rather than continuously. The device alternates between delivering high concentration NO (200-1000 ppm) for short periods and delivering oxygen-enriched air or placebo, creating a pulsed delivery pattern that maintains therapeutic effectiveness while reducing cumulative toxic exposure and preventing rebound effects
2Reliability
If high concentration nitric oxide is delivered, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but formation of toxic byproducts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic delivery pattern allows high concentration NO to be delivered at therapeutic levels while the intermittent oxygen-enriched air periods prevent excessive oxidation that would otherwise convert NO to toxic nitrogen dioxide (NO2) byproducts
Solution Approach 2:
Oxygen-enriched air serves as an intermediary substance that alternates with nitric oxide delivery. This intermediary prevents direct continuous exposure to high NO concentrations, reducing the chemical reactions that produce toxic byproducts while maintaining therapeutic benefits through the pulsed delivery pattern
3Reliability
If continuous nitric oxide inhalation is used, then therapeutic benefit is maintained, but rebound effect occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The intermittent pulsed delivery prevents the development of rebound effects by avoiding continuous exposure. The alternating periods of oxygen-enriched air allow the pulmonary vasculature to maintain normal tone between NO pulses, preventing the compensatory vasoconstriction that occurs with continuous delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The oxygen-enriched air periods serve as a preliminary anti-action that counteracts potential rebound vasoconstriction before it can occur. By periodically introducing oxygen-rich breaths, the system preemptively maintains vascular health and prevents the development of rebound effects
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
This method reduces toxic reactions and potential 'rebound' effects by alternating nitric oxide and oxygen delivery, ensuring safe and effective treatment with reduced risks of NO2 formation and methemoglobinemia, enabling the use of higher concentrations without adverse effects.
Implementation Method 1
generating nitric oxide by exposing nitrogen dioxide to an antioxidant
Implementation Method 2
a surface activated material saturated with an antioxidant
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device can alternately deliver high concentration of nitric oxide and oxygen-enriched air. A method of providing a therapeutic amount of nitric oxide to a mammal can include delivering one or more breaths of a therapeutic amount of nitric oxide to the mammal and delivering one or more breaths of an amount of oxygen-enriched air to the mammal immediately after the one or more breaths of the therapeutic amount of nitric oxide.