Technology is rapidly improving every industry in the modern age. General healthcare is no different.
Doctors have been making advancements in medicine since the pacemaker and artificial heart. These breakthroughs in medical technology are responsible for saving millions of lives.
The next major advancement in medical technology is X-COR's CO2 removal device. This fascinating implant is the cutting-edge of treatment options for multiple lung issues.
We're excited to have the privilege of introducing you to this new technology. In this article, we're going to get you more familiar with this amazing device. We'll also cover what the X-COR's CO2 removal device can solve and what it's made from.
Finally, we'll get into the structure of the device, what the installation procedure is like, how long it's effective for, the side effects of removal, and how your health plan may affect you receiving the device. By the end of this article, you'll be an expert in X-COR's CO2 removal device.
So, read on with us to find out more about what this amazing piece of technology can do.
What Is X-COR's CO2 Removal Device Used For?
X-COR's CO2 removal device is the first device that is commercially available. The device uses ultra-low blood flow to treat patients with hypercarbic respiratory failure.
X-COR's device is unique. It can clear enough CO2 from the blood at flow rates that are similar to dialysis. This means XCOR's device can leverage existing dialysis infrastructure.
This remarkable device allows medical professionals to supplement a patient's breathing. Since this is possible through a small, minimally-invasive insert, it eliminates the need for other more intrusive devices like ventilators.
This eliminates the stress and pressure put on a patient's respiratory system by traditional treatments. Intubation and ventilators can cause injury to patients.
The hope is that the widespread adoption of X-COR's CO2 removal device will transition the treatment of respiratory conditions like COPD and acute respiratory failure. Patients will be able to receive treatment for these conditions at outpatient facilities. The process will be very similar to the way patients with renal failure receive dialysis.
What Is X-COR's CO2 Removal Device Made From?
The reason the X-COR device can do what it does is its revolutionary structure. The implant has a hybrid design which enables it to be just as effective as high-flow alternatives without being anywhere near as invasive.
X-COR's CO2 removal device is compatible with existing medical hardware and infrastructure. This will make widespread adoption throughout the medical community much easier. It will also allow for a much faster deployment of the device.
The device passes the patient's blood through small catheters. These tubes can be installed and replaced by nursing staff. This is truly revolutionary.
The simple design makes the treatment more affordable and more accessible to patients. Without the need for highly specialized doctors to install the device, and without the need for more complex high-flow technology, more patients with respiratory issues can take advantage of using this device.
In addition to the revolutionary physical components, X-COR's implant device also uses innovative algorithms and AI technology to help draw patients' blood. The control algorithm the device uses relies on advanced machine learning techniques.
This cutting-edge technology helps physicians to remove CO2 much more easily.
What Is the Procedure to Insert It?
There are three main parts to this type of device. There is a drainage cannula that goes in one of the patient's large central arteries or veins. Next, there is a gas exchange membrane and finally, a return cannula that goes back into the venous system.
Blood moves through the gas exchange membrane. As the blood travels, the device filters CO2 out of the blood. The gas exchange membrane does this through diffusion.
There are two main types of installation when it comes to these types of devices. Installation can either be venovenous (VV) or arteriovenous (AV).
Venovenous (VV) Installation
In VV configuration, blood is drawn from a central vein through the drainage cannula. A centrifugal or roller pump generates blood flow across the gas exchange membrane. The drainage cannula works in the same way as a dialysis catheter.
The drainage cannula is smaller than the tubing used for traditional methods.
As blood flows across the gas exchange membrane, CO2 is removed and directed to another area of the device, the "sweep gas". The sweep gas runs on the opposite side of the membrane. It has very little to no CO2 present which enables it to promote CO2 removal from the blood.
Once through the sweep gas, the blood is then pumped back into the venous system through the return cannula.
Arteriovenous (AV) Installation
With AV installation, blood flows from the femoral artery. The blood is directed through a gas exchanger and back into the contralateral femoral vein. A sweep gas is still used in this installation method.
The sweep gas creates a CO2 gradient and allows CO2 to be removed from the blood as it travels through the system.
Installing the device with an AV installation relies on the patient's cardiac output as the pump.
X-COR'S CO2 Removal Device Side Effects
Although the procedure to install X-COR's device is minimally invasive, there are some side effects associated with the device. Experts in the medical field do contend that there are a high number of complications associated with the procedure.
However, these experts also state that the reward is greater than the risk. Despite the side effects that can occur, medical professionals still believe that ECCO2r devices like X-COR's are a great treatment option for patients facing chronic lung issues.
Let's highlight some of the possible side effects below.
Anticoagulation-Related Bleeding
This condition is bleeding that results from the use of anticoagulant medication. A doctor may prescribe anticoagulants with the use of a device like X-COR's.
The condition isn't life-threatening but should be managed properly. If this type of bleeding occurs in a patient, the first step a doctor will take is to stop the use of the anticoagulant.
If the bleeding persists, the doctor may consider reversing the anticoagulant. This is a serious undertaking. The doctor needs to make sure the patient is stable and have an idea of when they last took the anticoagulant. Reversing the anticoagulant is generally done in more serious cases of bleeding.
Hemolysis
If a patient suffers from hemolysis, what's actually happening is the breaking apart of the patient's red blood cells.
When a device like X-COR's CO2 removal device is installed in your body, your body views it as a foreign object. Therefore, in some cases, it may cause your body's immune system to fight against the foreign object.
This is the case with Hemolysis. The complement system, a portion of your blood's immune system, triggers an immune response. As a result, it starts to attack red blood cells.
The result is that they begin to break apart.
Acquired Coagulopathy
Occasionally, surgical procedures can cause coagulation disorders like Acquired Coagulopathy. This disorder inhibits the blood's ability to clot. The result is that a patient may have episodes of intense bleeding.
The clotting process relies on various proteins in the blood working together to slow, and eventually stop, the bleeding process. If these proteins aren't present, or are present in lower numbers, your system will have a problem stopping the flow of blood.
If a patient suffers from this condition, their doctor may prescribe medications or suggest blood replacement therapy.
Recirculation
Recirculation occurs when blood that has been cleared of CO2 mixes with blood that still contains CO2. A similar process happens in dialysis patients when dialyzed blood mixes with undialysized blood.
When it comes to X-COR's CO2 removal device, recirculation can affect the diffusion across the device's gas exchange membrane. The mixing of CO2 blood and non-CO2 blood can cause a change in overall CO2 levels.
As a result, there is no longer a gradient present across the gas exchange membrane. Then the patient may not have the necessary amount of CO2 removed from their blood.
Does My Provincial Health Plan Cover the Procedure?
It's always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider to see what's covered and what isn't. But, based on most Provincial health plans, this procedure would be covered.
Provincial health plans allow for most major medical procedures and hospital stays. The only procedures that might be in question are dentistry, cosmetic procedures, chiropractic and podiatry, vision care, limb prostheses, wheelchairs, medical exams requested by third parties, and prescription medications.
Reimagining Respiratory Health
X-COR's CO2 removal device is allowing medical professionals to reimagine respiratory health. This device will make chronic respiratory issues much more treatable. It's amazing the problems we're able to overcome as we move forward as a society.
For more information about whether your health plan covers this device, or getting a health plan that covers this device, contact the team at Insurdinary.
