Non-Invasive Surfactant Delivery via Liquid Jet Atomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for administering pulmonary surfactant to preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome are invasive, inefficient, and often result in uneven distribution, with prior non-invasive approaches failing to effectively deliver surfactant to all lung regions due to the use of small particle sizes that are exhaled or deposited in upper airways.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel catheter system that delivers a low-pressure column of liquid medicament and pressurized gas to the retro-pharyngeal region, breaking the medicament into larger particles during inspiration, synchronized with the patient's breathing pattern using pressure detecting means, to ensure efficient atomization and distribution of surfactant to the lungs without invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If nebulized surfactant is administered through a mask, then non-invasive delivery is achieved, but particle size is too small causing exhalation and deposition in upper airways
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the particle size parameter from small nebulized particles to large droplets (10-1000 μm) by using a liquid jet atomization process. This parameter change allows the droplets to be large enough to avoid exhalation while still being deliverable through non-invasive means via the mask interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a liquid jet atomization process where pressurized liquid surfactant is converted into droplets through hydraulic principles. The liquid jet breaks up into droplets as it exits the nozzle, creating the desired particle size distribution without requiring invasive delivery methods.
2Productivity
If endotracheal tube with atomizer is used, then large particle delivery is achieved, but invasive procedure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a mask as an intermediary device between the surfactant delivery system and the patient's airway. The mask delivers large droplets generated by liquid jet atomization into the oropharynx, from where they can be transported to the lungs without requiring direct endotracheal tube insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of delivering small particles invasively through an endotracheal tube, the invention inverts the approach by delivering large droplets non-invasively through a mask. This reversal of particle size and delivery route achieves the same therapeutic effect without the harmful invasiveness.
3Device complexity
If surfactant is administered during expiration, then delivery is simplified, but synchronisation with breathing is lost reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates a breathing detection system that provides feedback about the patient's respiratory phase. This feedback is used to control the timing of surfactant delivery, ensuring that droplets are administered during inspiration when they will be effectively transported into the lungs rather than being exhaled.
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 system provides a gentle and efficient delivery of surfactant, optimizing particle size for effective lung distribution, reducing waste, and minimizing mechanical impact, while allowing for non-invasive administration that is hygienically and clinically safer for pre-term neonates.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurised flow of gas through at least a second channel, so that when the column of liquid medicament and the pressurised gas meet in the retro-pharyngeal cavity, the liquid column is broken into a plurality of particles
Data Source
AI summary
The system allows optimizing the dispensing of aerosol medicaments. In particular the system allows the administration of an exogenous pulmonary surfactant to very young patients (e.g. preterm neonates). A catheter (101) conveys atomized surfactant directly to the retropharyngeal region in order to increase efficiency of the medicament administration without being invasive: this is particularly important for very young patients, such as pre-term born neonates suffering from neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (nRDS). The catheter is made of biocompatible flexible material (e.g. plastic material). It is possible to couple the catheter with a rigid scaffolding (e.g. metallic) to increase stiffness of the device and to improve easiness of positioning operations. The delivery of the atomized medicament is done by means of an air blasting technique.