Single-Cannula Extracorporeal CO Elimination System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for carbon monoxide poisoning, such as hyperbaric oxygenation, are slow and limited in availability, requiring multiple access points and complex systems, which complicates rapid and effective treatment.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a single hose section connected to a cannula for both blood extraction and return, with a bidirectional pump for extracorporeal carbon monoxide elimination, incorporating a gas exchange chamber and oxygen supply to facilitate direct oxygen exchange, reducing complexity and invasiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hyperbaric oxygenation therapy is used to eliminate carbon monoxide, then the elimination effectiveness is improved, but the treatment time is extended and the availability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelimination effectivenessVSAvoidtreatment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical hyperbaric oxygenation system with a membrane-based gas exchange system. The membrane filter unit allows direct diffusion of oxygen into the blood and removal of carbon monoxide through the semi-permeable membrane, eliminating the need for prolonged hyperbaric pressure exposure while achieving effective carbon monoxide elimination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a membrane filter unit as an intermediary between the patient's blood and the oxygen source. This membrane acts as a selective barrier that facilitates oxygen transfer to the blood while allowing carbon monoxide to be removed, enabling rapid gas exchange without requiring the patient to be placed in a hyperbaric chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a filter unit with gas-permeable membrane is used for gas exchange, then direct contact between blood and collection medium is prevented, but the gas exchange efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblood safetyVSAvoidgas exchange efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a gas-permeable membrane with specific porosity characteristics that allow efficient gas exchange while maintaining blood safety. The membrane's porous structure enables oxygen and carbon monoxide to diffuse through while preventing direct contact between the blood and the collection medium, optimizing both safety and exchange efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

3Productivity

If two cannulas are inserted into the patient for continuous blood drainage and return, then continuous carbon monoxide elimination is achieved, but the invasiveness and system complexity are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous treatment capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of blood drainage and blood return into a single cannula system. The membrane filter unit is designed to perform both gas exchange and blood filtration functions in one integrated component, reducing the number of cannulas needed from two to one while maintaining continuous treatment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single cannula system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the access point for blood withdrawal and the return path for oxygenated blood. The membrane filter unit performs multiple functions including gas exchange, blood filtration, and acts as a barrier between blood and collection medium, all within a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

Enables rapid, minimally invasive, and efficient extracorporeal elimination of carbon monoxide with reduced maintenance and operational time, using a single access point and bidirectional pumping, enhancing portability and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

at least one pump can be connected to the bloodstream of a person via a first tube section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Implementation Method 2

Gas exchange occurs through the gas-permeable membrane between the oxygen-enriched collection medium and the carbon monoxide-laden hemoglobin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas exchange: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

the system has a pump that can be operated bidirectionally. This makes it possible to drain blood from the person's bloodstream into the gas exchange chamber via a single tube and using a single pump, and to return it from the gas exchange chamber to the bloodstream

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBidirectional pumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP3426322B1System for the extracorporeal elimination of carbon monoxide
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 RWTH AACHEN UNIV
  • EP3426322B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3426322B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for the extracorporeal elimination of carbon monoxide, comprising at least one pump (5) and a gas exchange chamber (6). At least one pump (5) can be connected to the bloodstream of a person (1) by means of a first tube section (3) which can be connected to a cannula (2) and is connected to a gas exchange chamber (6) via a second tube section (4). The system is designed to discharge blood out of the bloodstream of the person (1) into the gas exchange chamber (6) via the first tube section (3) by means of at least one pump (5) and return the blood from the gas exchange chamber (6) back into the bloodstream of the person (1) via the same first tube section (3).