Acute respiratory failure occurs when fluid builds up in the air sacs of the lungs, preventing the oxygenation of blood required to maintain organ homeostasis. It poses a significant healthcare issue and is a serious complication associated with COVID-19. Affected individuals require mechanical ventilation. While ventilatory support systems are adequate for oxygenating blood, they perform poorly in removing CO2 from blood, contributing to the need for intubating and posing a potentially fatal risk.
Description
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have created a respiratory catheter small enough for percutaneous insertion with internal rotational mixing impellers effective for alleviating CO2 retention. This internal impeller respiratory assist catheter (iPRAC) removes 90-120 ml CO2/minute. Arteriovenous CO2 removal (AVCO2R) is a similar extracorporeal therapy that removes 70-140 ml CO2/minute and has been shown to have clinical benefit in patients with severe acute lung failure. The iPRAC is an improves on AVCO2R therapy with a simple design that allows it to be used earlier in both acute lung injury and in acute exacerbation of chronic lung injury, such as emphysema. This design may prove valuable as an addition to ventilator support in the fight against COVID-19.
Applications
· Removing CO2 from blood and preventing CO2 retention
· Treating diseases that may require ventilator support, such as COPD, emphysema, or COVID-19
· Treating Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Advantages
· Small enough to use for percutaneous insertion
· May reduce need for intubation
· Removes CO2 at levels similar to current therapies
· Can relieve acute and chronic injuries or diseases
Invention Readiness
Successfully implanted in acute calf model
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US8734382B2
