Respiratory Apparatus Simultaneous Pressure Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current respiratory disorder treatments, such as CPAP and non-invasive ventilation, may not provide optimal comfort, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use, particularly in addressing the specific needs of patients with conditions like Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Cheyne-Stokes Respiration, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, as they often require multiple therapies and adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for simultaneously controlling pressure and flow rate of air delivered to a patient's airways using a combination therapy device with adjustable vents and flow generators, allowing for synchronized control of positive airway pressure and deadspace therapy, which can be adjusted based on anatomical deadspace information and patient breathing cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate therapies are used to treat respiratory disorders, then treatment efficacy may be improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pressure therapy and deadspace therapy into a single integrated respiratory support device. The system includes a pressure control mechanism and a flow control mechanism that work together to deliver both therapies simultaneously through a unified patient interface, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices and simplifying operation while maintaining comprehensive treatment efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The respiratory support device is designed with multi-functionality to provide both pressure therapy for maintaining airway patency and deadspace therapy for flushing expired gases. The single device can adapt to different therapeutic needs and patient conditions, serving multiple functions that were previously requiring separate specialized devices.
2Productivity
If pressure therapy is applied to maintain airway patency, then ventilation is improved, but comfort and ease of use deteriorate due to required adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors to monitor patient respiratory status, flow rates, and pressure levels in real-time. Based on this feedback, the control mechanisms automatically adjust pressure and flow parameters to optimize ventilation while minimizing discomfort. The system adapts to patient needs dynamically, reducing the need for manual adjustments and improving comfort during therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic adjustment capabilities where pressure and flow parameters can be modified in real-time based on patient response and therapeutic requirements. The system can transition between different therapy modes and adjust parameters smoothly to maintain optimal ventilation while adapting to changing patient conditions and comfort needs.
3Productivity
If deadspace therapy is provided to flush expired gases, then respiratory workload is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deadspace therapy function is integrated into the same device that provides pressure therapy. The flow control mechanism works in conjunction with the pressure control mechanism to deliver both therapies through a single system architecture, sharing common components such as the patient interface, control unit, and power supply, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite adding therapeutic functionality.
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 approach enhances treatment efficacy by providing a combination of pressure and deadspace therapies, improving comfort and reducing treatment complexity, while allowing for more effective ventilation and reduced respiratory workload, thus addressing the limitations of existing treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a flow generator configured to deliver air to the patient's airways
Implementation Method 2
an adjustable vent configured to control pressure of the air delivered to the patient interface
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The present invention discloses a system for delivery of a flow of air to a patient's airways comprising: a flow generator (4142) configured to provide air to a patient via an air circuit (17170) and a patient interface (3000); an adjustable vent (3400); and one or more controllers (4240) configured to: determine a pressure and a flow rate of the air being provided to the patient via the patient interface with a plurality of sensors (4272,4274); and control the flow generator and the adjustable vent so as to simultaneously control the pressure and the flow rate of the air at the patient interface to correspond with a predetermined pressure and a predetermined flow rate, respectively.