Patent Application
20180141816
The present disclosure generally relates to medical equipment and more specifically to devices and methods for providing treatment of a biological object with mixed gases containing nitric oxide. The disclosed methods and devices may be suitable for treating various pathological processes in general, including abdominal, thoracic, purulent, vascular and anaplastic surgery, oncology, urology, combustiology, dentistry, podiatry, ophthalmology, neurosurgery and other fields of medicine.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,498,000, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference, discloses an apparatus and method for forming a nitric oxide (NO)-containing gas flow to treat a biologic object. Referring to
The apparatus may also include an arc discharge stabilization electrode or floating potential electrode 15 disposed in the interelectrode area 5. The floating potential electrode 15 may be electrically insulated from the anode and the cathode. The floating potential electrode 15 may include a through hole 16 coaxial with the cathode to provide a steady discharge burning. Further, the apparatus may include an inlet channel and an outlet channel 4. The inlet channel may be in communication with the interelectrode area 5 for injecting source gas or atmospheric air into the interelectrode area 5. The source gas containing at least oxygen and nitrogen. The outlet channel 4 is used for withdrawing NO-containing gas flow from the interelectrode area 5 and directing said NO-containing gas flow to treat the biologic object. The NO-containing gas flow may be formed from the source gas under the effect of the direct current arc discharge. Cooling means for cooling the outlet channel 4 and at least one of said anode and cathode may also be provided.
One limitation of the apparatus and method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,498,000 for a number of human and animal therapeutic applications is that the relatively high temperature generated by the arc discharge prevents its usage in medical and veterinary applications where elevated temperatures would be contraindicated. For example, it has been determined that the temperature of the NO-containing gas (also referred to as a plasma plume) may be between approximately 100 to 300 degrees Celsius. The relatively high temperature of the NO-containing gas prevents the device and method from being used in a variety of applications including, but not limited to, ophthalmic therapeutics due to direct tissue damage as well as the possibility of heat induced cataracts; intra-oral applications where mucous membrane tissue can be adversely affected; and, a number of other such applications.
The relatively high temperatures associated with the NO-containing gas output also requires that the device be maintained at a certain minimum distance from any treatment area to avoid pain from the relatively high heat and possible burns to the treatment area or other deleterious effects. However, the increased distance from the treatment area means that a lower concentration of NO is directed onto the treatment area due to, for example, air dissipation, thereby reducing the efficacy from that which can be achieved when using higher NO concentrations. In addition, the exposed arc discharge plasma plume does not allow for an efficient conversion of the nitrogen and oxygen molecules in atmospheric air into NO molecules due to, for example, dissipation surrounding the exit aperture of the device described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,498,000. That is, the increased distance causes the concentration of the NO produced to drop due to dissipation, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the treatment with higher NO levels.
In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide an improved device and method that overcomes the deficiencies and limitations associated with the prior art device.
An apparatus for treating a biologic object is disclosed. The apparatus can include a device for forming NO-containing gas flow to treat the biologic object, the device including a distal end having a discharge aperture for releasing NO-containing gas flow. The apparatus can include a cooling member having a first end, a second end, a fluid conduit extending from the first end to the second end, and a cooling chamber located between the first and second ends and surrounding the fluid conduit. The first end of the cooling member can be coupled to the distal end of the device. The apparatus can further include a cooling apparatus coupled to the distal end of the cooling member. The fluid conduit may be in fluid communication with the discharge aperture so that the NO-containing gas flow travels from the discharge aperture through the fluid conduit and past the cooling apparatus before treating the biologic object.
In some embodiments, the first end of the cooling member is removably attached to the distal end of the device. The first end of the cooling member may include a plurality of threads for engaging a plurality of threads formed on the distal end of the device. The discharge aperture may be completely surrounded and enclosed by the fluid conduit so that the NO-containing gas flow exiting the discharge aperture enters the fluid conduit.
The cooling member may include an output nozzle at the second end of the cooling member. The output nozzle may be in fluid communication with the fluid conduit so that the NO-containing gas flow can be discharged through the output nozzle. The cooling member may include a coolant input port and a coolant output port, the input port and the output port being in fluid communication with the cooling chamber.
A cooling fluid may be injected into the cooling chamber via the input port and discharged via the output port so that the circulating cooling fluid within the cooling chamber can cool the NO-containing gas flow. The coolant input port, the coolant output port, and the output nozzle may be removably couplable to the cooling member. Each of the input port, the output port and the output nozzle can include a plurality of threads for engaging a plurality of threads formed in the cooling member.
In some embodiments, the cooling apparatus includes a thermoelectric cooling (“TEC”) module. In other embodiments, the cooling apparatus includes a plurality of thermoelectric cooling (“TEC”) modules for surrounding the NO-containing gas flow exiting the second end of the cooling member. Each of the thermoelectric cooling (“TEC”) modules can include a heat sink and a cooling fan.
A method is disclosed for treating a biologic object. The method can include the steps of: forming an NO-containing gas flow in a device to treat a biologic object; discharging the NO-containing gas flow from a nozzle of the device; passing the NO-containing gas flow from the nozzle to a fluid conduit of a cooling member; injecting a fluid coolant into a cooling chamber in the cooling member to reduce a temperature of the NO-containing gas, the cooling chamber being separate and distinct from the fluid conduit so that the fluid coolant does not mix with the NO-containing gas; and passing the NO-containing gas from a nozzle of the cooling member through a cooling apparatus so that the temperature of the NO-containing gas is further reduced.
The method may comprise the step of removably coupling the cooling member to the device. In some embodiments, the method can further include removably coupling a coolant input port and a coolant output port to the cooling member, where the coolant input port receives the injected fluid coolant, and the coolant output port removes the injected fluid coolant. In other embodiments, the cooling apparatus includes a plurality of thermoelectric cooling (“TEC”) modules for surrounding the NO-containing gas.
An apparatus is disclosed for treating a biologic object. The apparatus may comprise a device for forming an NO-containing gas flow to treat a biologic object. The device may include a discharge aperture for releasing the NO-containing gas flow from the device. A cooling member may encapsulate the device. A cooling chamber may be located between the discharge aperture and an end of the cooling member to release the NO-containing gas flow. The NO-containing gas flow may travel from the discharge aperture through the cooling chamber before being dispensed from a distal end of the apparatus to treat the biologic object. The cooling member may include an upper shell and a lower shell, and a plurality of openings in at least one of the upper shell and the lower shell, the plurality of openings positioned for allowing air to surround the discharge aperture. The cooling chamber and the plurality of openings may be arranged such that the NO-containing gas flow draws air through the openings to engage the NO-containing gas flow. The cooling member comprises an inner channel disposed between the discharge aperture and a distal end of the cooling member, the cooling member configured to direct the NO-containing gas flow toward the distal end of the cooling member.
By way of example, specific embodiments of the disclosed device will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
A device and method in accordance with the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the device and method are shown. The disclosed device and method, however, may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the device and method to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
The present disclosure describes an improved device and method for providing treatment of a biological object with mixed gases containing nitric oxide (NO-containing gas). More specifically, the present disclosure describes an improved device and method that utilizes, in one exemplary non-limiting embodiment, a device and method as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,498,000. It will be appreciated, however, that although embodiments are described using the device and method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,498,000, that the presently disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other devices that generate NO in plasma form.
The improved device and method includes a plasma cooling mechanism that may be coupled to the distal end of a device that generates NO-containing plasma. As such, the improved device modifies a discharged plasma plume to allow for a lower temperature output and higher efficiency conversion of atmospheric air thereby producing high concentrations of NO for human and animal medical applications.
Referring to
As illustrated, the plasma cooling mechanism 110 may include a cooling member 200 and a cooling apparatus 150. In use, the cooling member 200 may be coupled to the distal end of the anode and cathode arrangement. The cooling assembly 150 may be coupled to the distal end of the cooling member 200.
The cooling member 200 may include a first end 202, a second end 204, an internal conduit 205 running from the first end to the second end for passing the plasma plume or NO containing plasma/gas from the first end to the second end, and a cooling chamber 250 located between the first and second ends 202, 204 and surrounding the fluid conduit 205.
The first end 202 of the cooling member 200 may be coupled to the anode shell assembly 10 so that the internal conduit 205 is in fluid communication with the discharge aperture 20 of the anode shell assembly 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 202 may include a plurality of internal threads 206 for engaging a plurality of external threads 75 formed on the distal end of the anode shell assembly 10. By coupling the cooling member 200 to the anode shell assembly 10 in this manner, the discharge aperture 20 may be completely surrounded and enclosed by the internal conduit 205 formed in the cooling member 200 so that the discharge aperture 20 and hence the discharge plume 50 exiting the discharge aperture 20 may be enclosed within, and directed through, the conduit 205. While the cooling member 200 is shown and described as including a plurality of threads for engaging threads formed on the anode shell assembly 10, it is contemplated that the anode shell assembly 10 and the cooling member 200 may be coupled by any other arrangement or method now or hereafter known including, but not limited to, welding, compression fittings, fasteners, or bayonet lock (see, e.g.,
As best shown in
As previously mentioned, the cooling member 200 may also include a coolant input port 252, a coolant output port 254, and a plasma output nozzle 256. The input port 252 and the output port 254 may be in fluid communication with a cooling chamber 250. In use, the discharge plume 50, exiting the discharge aperture 20 of the anode shell assembly 10, may enter the fluid conduit 205 at the first end 202 of the conduit insert 257 and may exit the cooling member 200 via the plasma output nozzle 256 at the second end 204 thereof. At the same time, a cooling fluid, such as, for example, water, may be circulated into, through and out of the cooling chamber 250 surrounding the conduit insert 257 and the internal fluid conduit 205 by injecting the cooling fluid into the input port 252 and removing it from the output port 254. The cooling chamber 250 is separated from the fluid conduct 205 by the wall 259 of the conduit insert 257 so that the cooling fluid injected into the cooling chamber 250 does not mix with the NO-containing gas traveling in the fluid conduit 205. Nevertheless, by cooling the cooling member, and particularly, the conduit insert 257, the cooling fluid may transfer heat generated by the plasma plume 50 to the cooling fluid passed through the cooling unit 200, thus facilitate cooling of the plasma plume 50. The coolant circulated through the cooling chamber 250 may originate from coolant used to cool the anode and cathode arrangement 10 or from an external source. It will be appreciated, however, that such a cooling arrangement is not critical, and the coolant may be supplied from the nozzle or from any other appropriate source.
The coolant input port 252, coolant output port 254, and plasma output nozzle 256 may be coupled to the cooling member 200 by any means now or hereafter known. For example, as illustrated, each of the coolant input port 252 and coolant output port 254 may include threads 252a, 254a, for engaging corresponding threads formed in the cooling member 200. Similarly, the plasma output nozzle 256 may include threads 256a for engaging threads 264 formed on the second end 263 of the conduit insert 257. It will be appreciated that although the connections described herein refer to threaded engagement, that the disclosure is no so limited, and another other type of appropriate connection scheme could be used. Alternatively, the coolant inlet and outlet ports 252, 254, could be included as integral parts of the cooling member 200.
Referring to
As shown in
Referring to
Referring now to
A plurality of cavities 325 may be formed through the walls of cooling member 300. These cavities 325 may be circumferential disposed about the cooling member 300 so that air may enter into the cooling member 300 to surround the plasma plume. In use, the discharge plume exiting the discharge aperture 20 of the anode shell assembly 10 may enter the cooling member 300 at the first end 302 thereof and exit the cooling member 300 at a second end 304 thereof. However, in connection with cooling member 300, air may enter into one or more cavities 325 and may surround and encase the plasma plume. In this manner, the air, having a much lower relative temperature as compared to the plasma plume 50 exiting the discharge aperture 20, may absorb the heat generated by the plasma plume 50 and thus facilitate cooling of the plasma plume 50. It will be understood that while the cooling member 300 is shown as having two cavities 325 on each side of the member 300, for a total of eight (8) cavities, it is contemplated that cooling member 300 may have more or less cavities, and that the cavities may take on different sizes and shapes. In addition, it is contemplated that the alternate embodiment of the cooling member 300 may be used alone or in combination with the TEC modules 151 shown and described above. Although the cooling member 300 is shown as being circular in shape, it is contemplated that the shape of the cooling member 300 can be conical or it can be provided in other geometric or non-geometric shapes.
Referring to
It will be understood that the cooling member 400 may have a fewer or greater number of openings 404 than illustrated, and that the openings may take on different sizes and shapes as compared to those shown in the illustrated embodiment. The openings 404 may also be positioned at various angles to optimize the interaction of the ambient air and the plasma plume 50 exiting the discharge aperture 20.
In some embodiments, the cooling member 400 can include an inner channel 405 disposed between the discharge aperture 20 and a distal end 403 of the cooling member 400. The inner channel 405 may direct the NO gas toward the distal end 403 of cooling member 400. In one embodiment, the inner channel 405 is created by the upper shell 401 and the lower shell 402. In addition, it is contemplated that the embodiment of cooling member 400 may be used alone or in combination with TEC modules 151 shown and described above. Further, although the description details an upper and lower shell, it is contemplated that cooling member 400 could be constructed of a single component.
Referring to
The plurality of radial fins 530 provides for increased surface area so that air surrounding the cooling member 500 can cool the cooling member. In this manner, the outside air may draw off the heat generated by plasma plume 50 and thus facilitate cooling of the plasma plume 50. It should be understood that while the cooling member 500 is shown as being in the form of a plurality of longitudinal slots encircling the cooling member 500, it is contemplated that cooling member 500 may have more or less cavities, and that the cavities may take on different sizes and shapes. Similarly, the number, size and shape of the radial fins 530 may be different.
The plasma output nozzle 556 may be formed by one or more elements. For example, as shown, the output nozzle 556 may include an adapter 557, a bushing 558 and a nozzle insert 559. In use, the adapter 557 can be coupled to the second end 504 of the cooling member 500. The bushing 558 can be coupled to the adapter 557 and the insert nozzle 559 may be received within a borehole 558a formed in the bushing 558. Complementary openings in each piece receive and pass the plasma plume 50 therethrough. As arranged, the plasma output nozzle 556 may be easily removable and replaceable as necessary. In addition, various and interchangeable elements may be provided to enable the user to more easily adjust and control the flow rate of the plasma plume 50.
The adapter 557, bushing 558 and nozzle insert 559 may be coupled together and coupled to the cooling member 500 by any means now known or hereafter developed including, but not limited to, fasteners 561. While the multiple part plasma output nozzle 556 has been shown and described in connection with the cooling member 500 illustrated in
The devices according to the present disclosure have the effect of concentrating the arc discharge plume in a tightly confined ducted conduit which more efficiently converts atmospheric air into extremely high concentrations of NO. Furthermore, the heat dissipation provided by the jacketed cooling conduit in conjunction with the TEC module configuration surrounding the aperture lowers the temperature of the stream of NO output. This can result in application temperatures directly at the output point of approximately 25 to 52 degrees Celsius, with NO concentrations of between 500 and 5,000 parts per million (PPM) and beyond, and more desirably between 500 and 1,200 PPM.
This extremely high NO produced at such low temperatures allows for the treatment of previously untreatable areas such as the eyes, mucous membranes, etc. Furthermore, the high efficiency conversion resulting in NO concentrations of over 500 PPM allows for shorter treatment times and higher efficacy in all types of applications of this therapeutic modality.
It should be understood, that while the plasma cooling mechanisms of the present disclosure has been described as including one or more cooling apparatuses 150 and a cooling member 200, 300, 400, 500, it is contemplated that the improved device 100 may be configured with only a cooling member 200, 300, 400, 500 and no cooling apparatus 150, or vice-versa (with a cooling apparatus 150 and no cooling member 200, 300, 400, 500). In addition, while the cooling apparatuses 150 are shown in combination with cooling member 200, it is contemplated that the cooling member 200 is interchangeable with cooling members 300, 400 and 500 such that the cooling apparatuses 150 may be used in combination with cooling members 300, 400 and 500. Alternatively, the cooling apparatus 150 could, in some embodiments, be used to cool the plasma plume 50 without the cooling member 200.
As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.
While certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described herein, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.
This is a non-provisional of co-pending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/423,957, filed Nov. 18, 2016, titled “High-Efficiency Method and Device for High-Concentration, Low-Temperature Exogenous Nitric Oxide Production From Atmospheric Air,” the entirety of which application is incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62423957 | Nov 2016 | US |
