Non-invasive device for airway obstruction in sedated patients under the tongue in the surgical center

Description

1 / 4 NON-INVASIVE DEVICE FOR AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION IN SEDATED PATIENTS AFTER TONGUE FALLS BACK TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present invention, a non-invasive device for clearing airways caused by tongue prolapse in sedated patients in the surgical center, refers to a prototype that combines the function of clearing airways in a non-invasive manner and maintaining patency for controlled periods. The device is comfortable for the patient, flexible, adaptable to different body profiles, easy to handle, low cost, and sterilizable. It aims to optimize healthcare, providing greater patient safety, and is part of the technical field of healthcare, specifically in the segment of hospital airway equipment. STATE OF THE ART

[002] Patients in the supine position under sedation in surgical centers frequently present with hypoxia due to airway obstruction caused by tongue falling back. This situation is a common cause of abrupt drops in tissue oxygenation. Although minimally invasive methods exist to solve this problem, they often cause discomfort to superficially sedated patients. The jaw thrust maneuver is effective and preserves cervical stability, but requires the professional to keep both hands occupied, making other care impossible. The proposed device aims to mechanically simulate this maneuver.

[003] Oropharyngeal cannulas are a method already used for this purpose, but their use is considered minimally invasive and can cause discomfort, nausea and vomiting in patients under light to moderate sedation, which constitutes a significant disadvantage.

[004] Other non-invasive devices, such as external manipulators and headrests, are characterized by complexity of use, high cost, and difficulty of disinfection and sterilization. In addition, they do not adapt well to anatomical differences between patients.

[005] The following are some patent applications related to the main objective of this invention: to maintain airways effectively.

[006] Document US20090241967A1 describes a mandibular and cervical support and positioning device intended to maintain an open airway in trauma patients or those under anesthesia. This device has components Petition 870250014183, dated 20 / 02 / 2025, page 8 / 12 Two-quarters of the splints are fixed and require intervention for removal if the patient regains respiratory self-sufficiency. Furthermore, it involves a complex set of materials and mechanisms.

[007] Document US20170028149A1 deals with a device and positioning method intended to facilitate endotracheal intubation in patients under anesthesia. While it facilitates obtaining a patent airway, the main focus is on supporting invasive procedures.

[008] Document US6171314B1 describes a device that supports the weight of the chin on the chest or clavicle, generating pressure points. The lateral support is fixed and not flexible, causing discomfort to superficially sedated patients.

[009] Another document, US5682632A, describes a polymer foam headrest that promotes hyperextension of the neck. This device does not adapt to different body types, keeping the mouth open and causing dryness of the airways. Furthermore, it disregards the need to manage expelled fluids, such as saliva and vomit, presenting difficulties in the disinfection and sterilization process. APPROACH TO THE TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[010] Airway obstruction due to tongue falling back is a frequent occurrence in sedated patients, requiring constant professional intervention. Existing devices do not fully meet the needs for simplicity, low cost, flexibility, anatomical adaptation, and the possibility of disinfection and sterilization. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[011] With the adoption of a non-invasive device, it is expected to optimize the care provided to patients under sedation in surgical centers, facilitating the management of the upper airways and promoting greater safety. The proposed device allows the patient (P) to comfortably remove the device upon regaining respiratory capacity.

[012] The developed device is portable, accurate, disinfectable and sterilizable, low cost and easy to handle, contributing to risk reduction and better allocation of human resources during care. LIST OF FIGURES

[013] Figure 1 - Front view of the artifact. Petition 870250014183, dated 20 / 02 / 2025, page 9 / 12 3 / 4

[014] Figure 2 - Rear view of the artifact.

[015] Figure 3 - Applicability of the artifact.

[016] Figure 4 - Side detail of the artifact. DESCRIPTION

[017] The proposed device promotes non-invasive airway opening, simulating the jaw thrust maneuver. Made with two materials - piano wire spring steel and EPDM rubber - it is flexible, adaptable to different body types and easy to remove. It withstands high temperatures and can be sterilized after contamination by secretions.

[018] The device has three spans that adapt to the patient's neck, jaw, and shoulder (P), maintaining mandibular elevation without causing discomfort. It is recommended to protect the contact areas with barrier membranes to prevent pressure injuries. The EPDM rubber coating ensures comfort and prevents trauma.

[019] Classified as a non-critical item, the device comes into contact only with the patient's intact skin. Although it does not require a high degree of sterilization, it can be subjected to disinfection and sterilization processes when necessary, due to the resistance of the materials used.

[020] The device is made from a steel spring tube, approximately 110 cm long, coated with EPDM rubber. The measurements and angles are described in detail, ensuring suitability for different body types.

[021] The EPDM coating provides resistance to heat, hot water, steam, acids and aging, as well as being a good thermal insulator. These characteristics make the device suitable for hospital use, with the possibility of effective sterilization and disinfection.

[022] Alternatively, the proposed Artifact (F) features a piano wire type spring steel tube (1), coated with EPDM rubber (2); shoulder support (C), curvature (w), neck height (A), chin support curvature (y), neck support base (x) and patient neck curvature (z) (P).

[023] This Artifact (F) projects the first bend in a 14 cm interval of tube, with an angle “w” of approximately 45°, followed by a height (h) of 14 cm towards the next bend, of approximately 45° (y), the alignment “A” is approximately 8 cm, the next bend “x” has an angle of Petition 870250014183, dated 20 / 02 / 2025, page 10 / 12 4 / 4 approximately 45°, segment “D” is approximately 5 cm, the EPDM lining (2) in segment “B” is approximately 28 cm, the 180° “z” angle encircles the patient’s neck (P), repeating the measurements mentioned on the contralateral side.

[024] The artifact (F) is subject to variations in measurements (A, B, C, D) and angles (x, y, wez), in a way that is adaptable for adult and child models.

[025] The extension of the piano wire type spring steel tube (1), which makes up the artifact (F) is approximately 110 cm long and 1 cm in diameter, anatomically bent.

[026] Artifact (F), also has an EPDM rubber coating (2) 28 cm long by 2 cm in diameter. EXAMPLES OF USE

[027] The device can be used preventively or correctively: Preventively, as an indicator, based on information gathered previously in the patient's anamnesis (P), which indicates snoring or sleep apnea, or even during clinical analysis by the health professional in the area, which indicate circumstances that suggest airway obstruction due to tongue falling back; or correctively, after airway obstruction due to tongue falling back is noticed, the professional managing the situation may use the device to clear the obstruction. Petition 870250014183, dated 20 / 02 / 2025, page 11 / 12

Claims

1 / 1 CLAIMS 1. Non-invasive device for clearing airways caused by tongue falling in sedated patients in the operating room (F), characterized by having a piano wire type spring steel tube (1), coated with EPDM rubber (2); shoulder support (C), curvature (w), neck height (A), chin support curvature (y), neck support base (x) and patient neck curvature (z) (P).

2. Artifact (F), according to claim 1, characterized by having the first bend in a 14 cm interval of tubing, with an angle “w” of approximately 45°, followed by a height (h) of 14 cm towards the next bend, of approximately 45° (y), alignment “A” is approximately 8 cm, the next bend “x” has an angle of approximately 45°, segment “D” is approximately 5 cm, the EPDM coating (2) in segment “B” is approximately 28 cm, the angle “z” of 180° encircles the patient’s neck (P), repeating the measurements mentioned on the contralateral side.

3. Artifact (F), according to claim 2, characterized by allowing variations in measurements (A, B, C, D) and angles (x, y, w, z), in a way that is adaptable for adult and child models.

4. Artifact (F), according to claim 2, characterized in that the piano wire type spring steel tube (1) is approximately 110 cm long and 1 cm in diameter, anatomically bent.

5. Artifact (F), according to claim 2, characterized in that the EPDM rubber coating (2) is approximately 28 cm long and 2 cm in diameter. Petition 870250014183, dated 20 / 02 / 2025, page 7 / 12

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