TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: AirWave

The AirWave technology uses gentle sound vibrations, tuned to each person’s lungs, to shake loose stubborn mucus that makes breathing difficult. Unlike current methods, it can target problem spots deep in the airways with precision, offering a faster and more effective way to help patients with conditions like COVID-19, pneumonia, or chronic lung disease breathe easier. It’s a personalized, non-invasive solution with strong potential for hospitals and respiratory care.

How it Works

This technology uses sound waves to gently vibrate the lungs and airways, helping loosen and clear mucus that makes breathing difficult. What makes it unique is the ability to tune these sound waves specifically for each patient:

• A CT scan of the lungs is used to build a model of the patient’s airway structure.
• Computer modeling determines the exact sound frequencies that will produce the strongest vibrations in problem areas.
• The selected frequencies are then applied either through the mouth (using acoustic waves) or from outside the body (using devices like speakers or transducers).
• These targeted vibrations “shake loose” mucus deep inside the lungs, making it easier to clear and improving airflow.

This personalized approach makes the therapy more effective, more comfortable, and adaptable for a wide range of respiratory conditions.

Key Advantages

• Patient-specific customization – CT scans and modeling allow vibration frequencies to be tailored to each person’s lung anatomy.
• Targeted therapy – Specific problem areas in the lungs can be precisely reached, improving effectiveness where it’s most needed.
• Higher efficiency – Uses higher-frequency sound waves than current methods, producing stronger airway vibrations to loosen mucus more effectively.
• Non-invasive approach – Delivers therapy without surgical procedures or invasive devices.
• Multiple delivery methods – Can be applied through the mouth or externally using acoustic transducers, speakers, or shakers.
• Improved patient outcomes – Helps clear mucus faster, eases breathing, and reduces complications from respiratory illnesses.
• Broad clinical applications – Useful for conditions like COVID-19, pneumonia, and chronic lung diseases, making it valuable across healthcare settings.
• Commercial potential – Scalable solution for hospitals and respiratory care providers worldwide

Market Applications

• Hospitals and healthcare systems – For treating patients with pneumonia, COVID-19, COPD, cystic fibrosis, and other respiratory conditions.
• Medical device manufacturers – Companies developing respiratory care devices (ventilators, airway clearance systems, acoustic or vibration-based therapies).
• Pulmonary rehabilitation centers – Clinics specializing in long-term care for patients with chronic lung diseases.
• Home healthcare providers – Potential adaptation for at-home respiratory therapy, especially for chronic conditions.
• Critical care and emergency medicine – Integration into ICUs and ERs to assist patients with severe breathing difficulties.
• Telehealth and remote monitoring companies – Future integration with connected respiratory care solutions for patient monitoring.
• Pharmaceutical and biotech firms – As a complementary therapy alongside respiratory drugs or inhaled treatments.
• Military and government health agencies – For treating respiratory distress in high-risk environments or pandemic response.

Development Status: TRL 3

Patent pending

LA-UR-25-30102

LANL Tech Partnerships: Unlock the Innovative Potential

Los Alamos National Laboratory offers a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and capabilities that may provide your company with a competitive edge in the market and unlock the innovative potential that can enhance, refine, and revolutionize your products.

LANL’s licensing program focuses on moving inventions developed by our researchers to commercial innovations. Patented and patent pending inventions and copyrighted software are available to existing and start-up companies through exclusive and non-exclusive licensing agreements. For specific discussions, please contact licensing@lanl.gov.

Note: This is not a call for external services for the development of this technology.

https://www.lanl.gov/engage/collaboration/feynman-center/partner-with-us/licensing-technology

https://www.lanl.gov/engage/collaboration/feynman-center/tech-and-capability-search