Pumpless Artificial Placenta Oxygenation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for respiratory failure in preterm infants, such as mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, pose risks of lung damage and are not well-suited for very low birth weight infants due to high priming volumes and invasive procedures, necessitating an alternative method for effective gas exchange.
Innovation Solution
A pumpless artificial placenta oxygenation device with a gas permeable silicone-based membrane and orthogonally interconnected vascular network, designed for minimal blood damage and coagulation prevention, is connected to umbilical vessels for efficient gas exchange with a low filling volume suitable for neonates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical ventilation is used to treat respiratory failure in preterm infants, then breathing support is provided, but lung damage and barotrauma occur due to absolute pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ventilation system with an artificial placenta system that uses a gas permeable membrane for passive gas exchange. Blood is pumped through the membrane where oxygen diffuses from the gas phase to the blood phase, eliminating the need for positive pressure ventilation and avoiding barotrauma while providing reliable respiratory support.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas permeable membrane acts as an intermediary between the gas phase and blood phase, enabling gas exchange without direct contact between high-pressure gas and lung tissue. This intermediate membrane structure allows oxygen and carbon dioxide transfer while protecting the infant's respiratory system from mechanical damage.
2Reliability
If ECMO is used for respiratory support, then cardiac and respiratory support is provided, but high priming volumes and invasive procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial placenta system segments the gas exchange function from the full ECMO system, providing respiratory support through a dedicated membrane oxygenator module. This segmentation allows for a smaller, more targeted device with reduced priming volume requirements compared to complete ECMO systems that must handle both cardiac and respiratory functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin film gas permeable membranes with large surface area to volume ratio, enabling efficient gas exchange in a compact configuration. These thin films reduce the overall device volume and priming requirements while maintaining effective oxygenation capacity.
3Reliability
If ECMO is used for respiratory support, then gas exchange is provided, but shear stress injury and blood clotting occur due to mechanical pump
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump system with a membrane-based gas exchange system. Blood flows through channels adjacent to the gas permeable membrane where gas exchange occurs passively through diffusion, eliminating shear stress from high-speed pumping and reducing activation of coagulation pathways while maintaining effective oxygenation.
4Reliability
If hollow fiber oxygenators are used, then gas exchange is provided, but high priming volumes of 40-43mL are required which is unsuitable for very low birth weight infants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes thin film gas permeable membranes with large surface area to volume ratio, enabling efficient gas exchange in a compact configuration. These thin films reduce the overall device volume and priming requirements while maintaining effective oxygenation capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from the three-dimensional hollow fiber structure to a two-dimensional planar membrane configuration. This dimensional change increases the surface area available for gas exchange relative to the device volume, enabling effective gas exchange with significantly reduced priming volume suitable for very low birth weight infants.
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 device provides effective oxygenation with minimal shear stress and coagulation risk, achieving high oxygen saturation and gas exchange efficiency, suitable for preterm infants with reduced risk of lung damage and complications.
Implementation Method 1
a gas permeable membrane made of a silicone-based organic polymer
Implementation Method 2
fluid flows through the vascular network and in contact with the gas permeable membrane to permit gas exchange to occur
Implementation Method 3
The artificial placenta is a biocompatible, pumpless oxygenation device
Implementation Method 4
may be treated to prevent coagulation
Implementation Method 5
an orthogonally interconnected arrangement that permits circulation of fluid therethrough
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
AI summary
An artificial placenta oxygenating device for use with an infant is provided. The device comprises a first layer comprising a gas permeable membrane; and a second layer comprising a vascular network that permits circulation of fluid therethrough, wherein a portion of the gas permeable membrane is attached to and covers the vascular network, wherein the vascular network comprises an inlet that permits fluid flow into the vascular network and an outlet that permits fluid to flow out of the vascular network and wherein the inlet and outlet are positioned so that fluid flows through the vascular network and in contact with the gas permeable membrane to permit gas exchange to occur. Assemblies comprising a plurality of single artificial placenta devices is also provided.