Selective Lobe Delivery via Expandable Sheath and Balloon Cuffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapeutic delivery methods for lung diseases face challenges due to the anatomy of the tracheobronchial tree, which limits the effectiveness of aerosolized therapies and poses risks with liquid delivery, especially in mechanical ventilation, and restricts the use of bronchoscopy procedures by the size of endotracheal scopes.
Innovation Solution
A respiratory apparatus comprising an endotracheal tube with an expandable sheath and a lobar tube that allows for selective lobe isolation and delivery of therapeutics, enabling targeted administration of drugs and biologics in liquid form to specific lung lobes while maintaining ventilation of other lobes, and facilitating interventional bronchoscopy procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aerosolized therapy is administered through the tracheobronchial tree, then rapid onset and less systemic effects are achieved, but the defense filter (mucociliary escalator and anatomical structure) prevents particles from reaching the alveolar level, limiting therapeutic delivery to the lung parenchyma
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lung into separate lobes using deflatable balloons positioned in the bronchial tree. Each balloon can be independently inflated to occlude a specific lobe, allowing targeted aerosol delivery to individual lobes while bypassing the general tracheobronchial filter system. This segmentation enables direct access to the lung parenchyma in selected regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different conditions to different lung regions by isolating specific lobes with deflatable balloons. Each lobe can receive customized aerosol therapy with appropriate particle size, concentration, and duration tailored to the specific pathological condition of that region, rather than uniform treatment of the entire lung.
2Reliability
If liquid solutions are administered to reach alveoli, then effective therapeutic delivery is achieved, but large liquid volumes can deplete surfactant, collapse alveoli, and cause severe hypoxemia
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the lung into isolated lobes using deflatable balloons, the patent allows administration of liquid solutions to only the affected lobe rather than the entire lung. This limits the total liquid volume required, preventing surfactant depletion and alveolar collapse in healthy regions while still achieving effective therapeutic delivery to the target area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies liquid solution administration partially, only to the specific lobe requiring treatment rather than to the whole lung. This partial action achieves the necessary therapeutic effect without the excessive liquid volumes that would cause harmful surfactant depletion and alveolar collapse.
3Ease of operation
If endotracheal tube internal diameter is reduced to allow scope passage, then bronchoscopy procedures become possible, but the ability to deliver adequate ventilation and therapy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the deflatable balloon and its inflation catheter within the endotracheal tube structure. The balloon can be inflated within the tube lumen to occlude bronchi, while the tube itself maintains its ventilation function. This nested arrangement allows both bronchoscopy procedures and adequate ventilation/therapy delivery to coexist without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the airway management functions by using the endotracheal tube for mainstem ventilation while the deflatable balloon provides lobe-specific isolation and therapy delivery. This segmentation allows simultaneous performance of bronchoscopy procedures in isolated lobes while maintaining ventilation through the endotracheal tube.
4Device complexity
If a single endotracheal tube is used for both ventilation and bronchoscopy, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to perform continuous bronchoscopy procedures without interruption is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests multiple functional elements within a single endotracheal tube structure: the deflatable balloon for lobe isolation, the inflation catheter for balloon deployment, and the bronchoscope passage channel. This nested design allows continuous bronchoscopy procedures without removing the tube, as all necessary functions are integrated within the single tube system.
Solution Approach 2:
The endotracheal tube is designed with multi-functionality, serving simultaneously as a ventilation conduit, a platform for lobe isolation (via the deflatable balloon), and a passage for bronchoscope insertion. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining procedure continuity.
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 the delivery of therapeutics to specific lung areas, reducing systemic side effects and improving therapeutic efficacy by ensuring targeted treatment and maintaining safe oxygenation, while allowing for continuous bronchoscopy procedures without interruption.
Implementation Method 1
The endotracheal tube has an expandable sheath that forms a secondary channel outside the endotracheal tube
Implementation Method 2
The lobar tube has an isolated lumen that allows for delivery of therapeutics in a liquid format
Implementation Method 3
The tracheal tube has a tracheal cuff that when inflated seals around the trachea. The lobar tube has a lobar cuff that when inflated seals around a lobe of the lung
Implementation Method 4
The assembly is configured for lobe isolation and for the administration of therapies in a liquid format with simultaneous ventilation of the other lung lobes
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments are directed to the use of an airway device that allows for selective lobar isolation for the administration of drugs and biologies in liquid solution deeply into lung tissue, with simultaneous ventilation of the rest of the lungs. In addition, the novel airway device facilitates the performance of interventional bronchoscopy procedures such as biopsies, removal of foreign bodies, tumor debulking and placement of stents. The advantage of having separate ventilation and working channels allows continuous view and use of instruments without interruption necessary to remove structures from the airway.