Foot-operated inflation device for airway mask

Abstract

The present invention is in the field of medicine and respiratory masks. It is a cardiopulmonary resuscitation device that provides assisted ventilation through a foot or compressor controlled bellows mechanism. The device frees the hand used to compress the traditional self-inflating airway mask bag unit (AMBU) so that the free hand can be used to apply the mask to the patient's face, reducing the mechanical fatigue caused by manual compression of the current mechanism. The device is attached to the ventilation mask, can be equipped with a frequency meter, and is compatible with accessories including traditional cardiopulmonary resuscitation devices; it has a valve inside that controls the filling of the oxygen tank and the time of release of oxygen to be supplied to the patient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of medicine or veterinary medicine; it relates to hygiene, respiratory, or anesthesia masks, and particularly to cardiopulmonary resuscitation devices, the purpose of which is to provide assisted ventilation to patients via a foot-controlled bellows mechanism. This mechanism frees the hands, often used to compress conventional self-inflating bags or AMBUs (airway mask bag units), from properly adjusting the mask to the patient's face and ensuring a proper seal, and reduces mechanical fatigue caused by manual compression performed by current mechanisms. The device connects to a conventional ventilation mask and includes an internal valve for controlling the filling of the oxygen reservoir and the timing of oxygen release to the patient. Background Technology

[0002] Routine ventilation is typically performed during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and in most cases uses an automated inflatable bag system, also known as an AMBU (Airway Mask Bag Unit). This unit connects to the mask, allowing air to enter the airway from the bag. However, it is crucial to emphasize that for effective ventilation, a good seal between the mask and the patient's face is essential. This is achieved by placing both hands around the mask, allowing space for jaw traction. Similarly, the bag must be fully inflated to allow air to enter the mask, and the bag should be compressed each time ventilation is needed. Current equipment is not designed to optimally perform both functions simultaneously. To ensure a proper seal, both hands must be used on the patient's face and the bag to maintain mask stability and prevent air loss. When the bag needs inflation, the operator must remove one hand from the mask to depress the bag containing the mechanism and deliver air into the airway, thus compromising the proper seal between the mask and the nose and mouth, which in most cases leads to air leakage and loss of ventilation.

[0003] These malfunctions are even more common when healthcare professionals responsible for ventilation are not adequately trained, when procedures are performed simultaneously on an individual's airway, or even when the patient has factors related to ventilation difficulties. Similarly, in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the physical exertion involved in properly positioning the mask and simultaneously inflating the cuff for an extended period leads to greater mechanical effort from the operator over time, exacerbating physical wear and tear and potentially causing more errors.

[0004] Regarding the relevant background, patent application EP3020439A1, "Ventilation Device and Method for Operation a Ventilator," published on May 18, 2016, by Vera Seifert, discloses a breathing device including a breathing bag having at least one oxygen-containing gas inlet valve, an oxygen-containing gas outlet valve, a breathing element, and a mechanism drive including a foot pedal. The foot pedal can be configured as a lever, button, switch, rocker, press, pliers, or any combination thereof. The foot control device and the resuscitation bag can also be designed as bellows. When operating all the above embodiments, a linear or arcing (lifting) movement is made with the foot. This invention relates to a breathing device and method intended to facilitate the operation of a manual resuscitator and an AMBU breathing bag, primarily during the delivery of treatment, by means of actuator elements designed as pedals in various configurations to facilitate the release of at least one hand for pressing down the resuscitation bag having oxygen inlet and outlet valves. One of the main differences is that the existing technology does not describe the O2 storage bag, but mentions that O2 is supplied directly through O2 inlet and outlet valves.

[0005] The claims of invention EP302020439A1 cover a complete system of equipment for manual resuscitation. On the other hand, this invention describes a unique accessory that can replace a life-saving bag, comprising a pedal-operated flexible bellows mechanism that initially supplies air but, due to compatibility with existing masks and various valves on the market, can be connected to a pressure valve, thereby connecting to an O2 reservoir bag. Furthermore, it includes a valve system comprising a gate to ensure proper filling of the O2 reservoir bag.

[0006] There is also patent application number US20080087285A, published on April 17, 2008, entitled "Adjustable Multi-Functional Shoulder Strap for a Survival Kit," which shows an adjustable multi-functional shoulder strap for a survival kit, attached to the kit and adjustable to be tighter or looser. The strap allows one hand to be secured to the kit, enabling one-handed operation of rescue techniques while the other hand operates the mask to press on the patient's jaw, thus effectively achieving the rescue objective. Furthermore, the strap allows the kit to be carried with one hand or hung on a wall as a backrest. In this context, the strap provides a more secure grip on the kit; however, mechanical wear due to hand movement compressing the bag still exists, and similarly, holding the mask with only one hand does not guarantee a proper seal. The new invention is part of a cardiopulmonary resuscitation device designed to provide assisted ventilation to patients via a foot-controlled bellows mechanism; it provides a novel mechanism for filling an air pedal in the device via a valve, which in turn controls the oxygen inlet from the reservoir bag and external supply to the mask.

[0007] This invention is intended as an accessory to replace manual resuscitation bags, but is compatible with other existing accessories such as masks, pressure valves, oxygen supply connections, etc., and is also suitable for use with external oxygen supply or only with ambient air supply.

[0008] Furthermore, patent application US20160067435A1, published on March 10, 2016, entitled "Endopharyngeal Airway Device and Kit and Method of Use," discloses a kit for ventilation of patients at risk of airway obstruction who cannot be adequately ventilated using current anesthetic techniques during surgical procedures requiring awake sedation-monitored anesthesia care (MAC). It includes a single-lumen endopharyngeal nasotrachea with an eye-shaped opening at its distal end and a cylindrical proximal end serving as an adapter for anesthetic applications, such as positive airway pressure via a modified survival kit or other various anesthetic applications. Adjacent to the distal end of the nasotrachea is an end-expiratory carbon dioxide monitoring port (ETCO2). At the distal end of the flexible nasal airway is an eye opening allowing airflow to the posterior pharynx. The kit also includes a modified survival kit that allows for controlled airflow to the patient during surgery.

[0009] This background section discusses improvements to anesthesia delivery systems for patients requiring partial consciousness during surgery, particularly those with airway obstruction. The device aims to improve airflow and direction within the patient, lacks an automatic inflation control system, and is used in conjunction with a positive pressure device. Furthermore, the background section addresses the need for an intubation method, which is not essential for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and focuses on improving anesthesia procedures for patients in a partially conscious state. Its design does not specifically address how to ensure a seal on the patient's face or reduce muscle fatigue due to the compression of the air bag; these are solutions proposed in this new invention. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The accompanying drawings illustrate the scope of the invention within the proposed foot-operated inflation device for an airway mask.

[0011] Figure 1 A side view of the foot-operated inflation device for an airway mask is shown.

[0012] Figure 2 An enlarged side view shows the mask and its connection to the valve mechanism.

[0013] Figure 3 An enlarged side view of the mask and its relationship to the storage tank, as well as the open connection of the foot-operated air blower, are shown.

[0014] Figure 4 A side view of the pedal inflation unit is shown.

[0015] Figure 5 A side view of the valve mechanism (3) and the closed state of the valve controlling the intake of ambient air are shown.

[0016] Figure 6 The side view of the valve mechanism (3) and the open state of the valve controlling the intake of ambient air are shown.

[0017] Figure 7 A diagram of the valve mechanism (3) and the relationship between the actuator and the valve (3d) is shown. Summary of the Invention

[0018] This invention relates to a foot-operated inflation device for an airway mask, part of a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) device, designed to provide assisted ventilation to patients via a foot-controlled bellows mechanism. This mechanism frees the hands, often used to compress conventional rescue bags, for proper adjustment of the mask to the patient's face and ensuring a proper seal, and also reduces mechanical fatigue associated with manual compression using current mechanisms.

[0019] The device connects to a conventional airway mask and has five main internal components: a valve mechanism that controls the timing of reservoir filling and oxygen release to supply the patient, a sealing mask, a reservoir, a pedal, and a pedal connection tube. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The device includes a mask (1) with a peripheral seal (1a) placed on the patient's face, creating an airtight seal between the face and the mask (1) when pressed. A coupling (2) connects the mask (1) to a valve mechanism (3) via a connector (2a), the connector (2a) also having a pressure measuring device (2c) to indicate the pressure of the injected air, and a vertical connector (2b) adjusting the pressure measuring device (2c) to the connector (2a).

[0021] The valve mechanism (3) is connected to the pedal pipe (5) via a connector (3c), wherein the connector (3c) has a gate (3a) that controls the air passage from the pedal pipe (5) and the storage tank (4) when the pressure is sufficient to raise the gate (3a).

[0022] The valve mechanism (3) is connected to the storage tank (4) via a tank connector (4a). Oxygen stored in the storage tank flows out from an external delivery device and is connected to a valve (3b) that guides oxygen to the storage tank (4) and the valve mechanism (3). A bellows pedal (6) is connected to a pedal tube (5). When the pedal tube (5) is pressed, an airflow is generated, which flows through the pedal tube (5) to the connector (3c). A gate (3a) is located on the connector (3c). The gate (3a) is raised, allowing the air generated by the bellows pedal (6) to mix with oxygen from the storage tank (4) and oxygen from an external source through the valve (3b). This air mixture is guided to the mask (1) via a coupling (2) and thus supplied to the patient through the mask (1) which is tightly fixed to the patient's face.

[0023] Therefore, by facilitating the use of both hands in the operation of securing the mask (1) to the patient's face, better oxygen delivery is ensured and thus the cardiopulmonary resuscitation process is guaranteed. Conversely, when the bellows pedal (6) is not pressed, the gate (3a) remains stationary, which facilitates the filling of the reservoir (4) with oxygen from an external source entering through the valve (3b).

[0024] like Figure 4 The bellows pedal (6) and the connector (6a) that connects it to the pedal tube (5), which directs air to the connector (3c) for distribution to the rest of the equipment are shown.

[0025] The gate (3a) is hollow inside and has a valve (3d) that controls ambient air to enter the pedal pipe (5) through the connector (3c) and eventually reach the bellows pedal (6). Thus, the bellows pedal (6) will have the necessary fluid to push oxygen from the tank back to the mask (1). When the bellows pedal (6) is pressed down, the valve (3d) closes because the actuator (3e) connected to the valve (3d) is pressed down in sequence by the inner wall of the valve mechanism (3), as... Figure 5 As shown, through as Figure 5 The mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or electronic locking mechanism shown causes the valve (3d) to close, such as Figure 7 As shown. In Figure 6 In the diagram, the actuator (3e) is displayed in the released state, which occurs when the bellows pedal (6) is not pressed. Therefore, when the actuator (3e) is released, the valve (3d) opens and allows ambient air to enter through the connector (3c) and then through the pedal tube (5) to finally reach the bellows pedal (6). The valve (3d) has a conventional and commercially available impurity filter to prevent unwanted particles from entering.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, the device has a frequency meter (7), an LED display (8) for visualizing the frequency signal, and a signal transmitter (9) for transmitting data to an external display and allowing estimation of frequency and ventilation. Continuous measurement of exhaled CO2 helps patients reduce respiratory acidosis without causing barotrauma; this, in turn, is used to measure respiratory rate and oxygen saturation (SPO2), which is also useful in estimating heart rate.

[0027] When the patient is on the floor and the bellows pedal (6) cannot be actuated due to the position of the medical staff, the compressor (10) is actuated, which accumulates air and then releases the air to the patient in a synchronous manner, i.e., inflation is done automatically based on measurements from different sensors.

[0028] Airway mask bag unit (AMBU) ventilation must maintain adequate systemic oxygenation to sustain basic bodily needs and hemodynamic stability. Therefore, the newly invented foot-operated airway mask inflator provides a ventilation solution that allows the operator to gain a favorable position for sealing the mask (1) and inflating the cuff for effective ventilation with reduced resistance. This is achieved by improving ergonomics, thereby reducing the intake and exhaust of fresh air and minimizing excessive air loss from the system and physical exertion on the responsible healthcare professional.

Claims

1. A foot-operated inflation device for an airway mask, characterized in that, Includes a face mask (1), valve mechanism (3), storage tank (4), pedal tube (5), and bellows pedal (6) or compressor (10); The mask (1) has a peripheral seal (1a) on one side of the patient’s face, and a coupling (2) that connects the mask (1) to the valve mechanism (3) via a connector (2a). The valve mechanism (3) has a pressure measuring device (2c) for indicating the pressure when air is injected, a vertical connector (2b) for adjusting the pressure measuring device (2c) to the connector (2a), a valve (3b) for external oxygen access, a frequency meter (7), and a tank connector (4a) for connecting to the tank (4); the valve mechanism (3) is connected to the pedal pipe (5) via the connector (3c), the connector (3c) having a gate (3a) for controlling the passage of air from the pedal pipe (5), and connected to the tank (4); The gate (3a) is hollow inside and has a valve (3d); the valve (3d) controls the ambient air to enter through the joint (3c) and finally reach the bellows pedal (6); the joint (3c) is supported by the pedal tube (5); The storage tank (4) operates when the pressure is sufficient to raise the gate (3a); The bellows pedal (6) or compressor (10) is used to provide the necessary fluid to drive oxygen from the tank (4) into the mask (1), which is connected to the pedal tube (5). The opposite end of the pedal tube (5) is connected to the valve mechanism (3), so when the bellows pedal (6) is pressed, an airflow is generated, which flows through the pedal tube (5) to the connector (3c). The gate (3a) is located on the connector (3c). The gate (3a) rises to allow air generated by the bellows pedal (6) or air generated by the compressor (10) to mix with oxygen from the storage tank (4) and oxygen from an external source and enter through the valve (3b).

2. The foot-operated inflation device for an airway mask according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve mechanism (3) is connected to the storage tank (4) via the storage tank connector (4a), wherein the storage tank (4) stores oxygen flowing from the external drug delivery device and is connected to the valve (3b) to deliver oxygen to the storage tank (4) and the valve mechanism (3).

3. The foot-operated inflation device for an airway mask according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve mechanism (3) has an actuator (3e) which is connected to the valve (3d) via a mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic or electronic locking mechanism and a conventional particulate filter, wherein the actuator (3e) is pressed down by the inner wall of the valve mechanism (3).

4. The foot-operated inflation device for an airway mask according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frequency meter (7) has an LED display (8) for displaying frequency signals and a signal transmitter (9) for transmitting data to an external display, which estimates the patient’s frequency and ventilation response by continuously measuring exhaled carbon dioxide.

Images