A device for the drainage of oropharyngeal secretions in a dysphagia patient

Abstract

The patent application discloses a kind of dysphagia patient pharyngeal secretion drainage device, specifically related to the technical field of drainage device.It includes: sensing air bag, both ends of sensing air bag are provided with air hole;Negative pressure fan, negative pressure fan is communicated with one air hole;Air inlet pipe, opening is formed on air inlet pipe, air inlet pipe includes first straight section, contraction section and second straight section, the diameter of second straight section is less than the diameter of first straight section, first straight section is connected with drainage tube, second straight section is communicated with another air hole;Baffle, baffle is slidingly sealed in opening, one side of baffle is located in air inlet pipe;Lifting assembly, lifting assembly can adjust the position of baffle according to the contraction of sensing air bag;Drainage tube, drainage tube is inserted with air inlet pipe.The technical scheme of the present application solves the problem that the existing drainage device cannot realize active regulation of pressure, which may cause discomfort to the patient, and is beneficial to reduce the work intensity of medical staff.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of drainage devices, and in particular to a drainage device for oropharyngeal secretions in patients with swallowing disorders. Background Technology

[0002] Dysphagia, as a clinical symptom, broadly refers to abnormal swallowing function occurring in different locations such as the mouth, pharynx, or esophagus, caused by various etiologies including neurological diseases, muscle dysfunction, and structural abnormalities. It manifests as difficulty swallowing food or secretions. These patients often have a significantly reduced ability to autonomously clear secretions (including saliva and pharynx) from the mouth and throat due to weakened or absent swallowing reflexes, leading to a continuous accumulation of liquids and thin secretions in the oropharyngeal cavity. This pathological retention poses a dual risk: firstly, when secretions overflow, they continuously moisten the skin around the mouth, cheeks, and neck, causing local skin dampness and maceration, which can easily lead to erythema, erosion, and even skin breakdown, increasing patient suffering and the risk of infection. It also frequently contaminates the patient's clothing and bedding, significantly increasing nursing workload and affecting the patient's dignity and comfort; secondly, and more dangerously, the accumulated secretions may reflux inwards or flow directly into the larynx. Because patients with dysphagia often have a weakened or sluggish cough reflex, these pathogen-rich secretions cannot be expelled through effective coughing and are easily aspirated into the lower respiratory tract, leading to aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia is a common and serious complication in these patients. Repeated occurrences can lead to respiratory failure. If a large amount of secretions or foreign objects suddenly block the main airway, it can immediately cause suffocation and directly endanger the patient's life.

[0003] Therefore, timely and effective removal of retained secretions from the oropharynx is a core aspect of basic nursing care and complication prevention for patients with dysphagia. For a long time, clinical practice has primarily relied on traditional manual suction techniques, where nurses use handheld suction bulbs or suction catheters connected to a central negative pressure system to intermittently insert them into the patient's mouth and pharynx for suction. While this method can temporarily remove secretions, it has significant limitations: First, it is a passive and intermittent operation, highly dependent on manual execution by medical staff. Nurses must frequently patrol and perform the procedure, which not only constitutes a heavy burden in a labor-intensive medical environment, but more importantly, secretions continue to accumulate during the intervals between procedures, making continuous drainage and risk control impossible, leaving potential safety hazards. Second, traditional suction relies on the operator manually controlling the magnitude and duration of the suction negative pressure, and its suction force is often based on experience-based judgment, lacking objective and precise control. Insufficient suction may result in the inability to effectively remove thick sputum, leading to incomplete drainage; while excessive suction may cause mechanical damage to delicate tissues such as the oral mucosa, tongue, and pharynx, causing mucosal bleeding, edema, and even inducing strong nausea reflex, laryngospasm, or vagal nerve excitation, resulting in discomfort and risks such as decreased heart rate and blood pressure fluctuations. Some patients may refuse treatment due to intolerance.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a device for draining oropharyngeal secretions from patients with dysphagia that has pressure regulation function. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a drainage device for oropharyngeal secretions in patients with dysphagia, which solves the problem that existing drainage devices cannot achieve active pressure adjustment and cause discomfort to patients.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A device for draining oropharyngeal secretions in patients with swallowing disorders, comprising:

[0007] The sensing airbag has ventilation holes at both ends;

[0008] A negative pressure fan, wherein the negative pressure fan is connected to a vent.

[0009] An air intake pipe is provided with an opening. The air intake pipe includes a first straight section, a constriction section, and a second straight section. The diameter of the second straight section is smaller than the diameter of the first straight section. The first straight section is connected to a drainage pipe, and the second straight section is connected to another vent.

[0010] A baffle, which is slidably and sealingly connected to the opening, with one side of the baffle located inside the intake pipe;

[0011] A lifting assembly that can adjust the position of the baffle according to the contraction of the sensing airbag;

[0012] A drainage tube, which is connected to the air intake pipe.

[0013] The principle and effect of the technical solution: This solution utilizes a negative pressure fan to provide initial suction, driving airflow into the drainage tube connected to the patient's oropharynx. The airflow passes through the first isostatic section, the constriction section, and the second isostatic section of the inlet tube. According to Bernoulli's principle, when the airflow passes through the constriction section, the flow velocity increases, leading to a decrease in the static pressure in that area. This locally low-pressure area created by the structure is connected to the internal cavity of the sensing airbag through a vent, causing changes in the internal air pressure of the sensing airbag, resulting in structural changes of contraction and expansion. Thus, the position of the baffle is adjusted using the sensing airbag and the lifting assembly.

[0014] Because the baffle extends into the air intake pipe, its height directly alters the direct ventilation area inside the pipe. This is a sophisticated negative feedback regulation process: when the sensing airbag contracts due to excessive negative pressure, the lifting assembly raises the baffle, increasing the open area of ​​airflow in the air intake pipe, allowing more air to be drawn into the drainage tube, thus accelerating gas flow within both the pipe and the intake pipe. Conversely, when the negative pressure inside the sensing airbag is low, the airbag expands due to its elasticity, causing the baffle to descend, reducing the open area of ​​the air intake pipe, and limiting air entry into the drainage tube, thereby lowering the effective negative pressure at the end of the drainage tube. This design forms a complete closed-loop control circuit, continuously and dynamically adjusting the suction pressure based on the amount of sputum.

[0015] Furthermore, the lifting assembly includes:

[0016] A return spring is connected between the outer surface of the intake pipe and the top of the baffle.

[0017] A fixing rod is provided on the air intake pipe and located between the baffle and the sensing airbag;

[0018] A connecting rod is rotatably connected to a fixed rod, and the length of the end of the connecting rod near the baffle and the rotation point is greater than the length of the end of the connecting rod near the sensing airbag and the rotation point.

[0019] Two connecting ropes are respectively installed between the air intake pipe and the connecting rod, and between the connecting block and the connecting rod.

[0020] With the above setup, the connecting rod, using the fixed rod as a pivot point, forms a lever structure with the baffle and the sensing airbag via two connecting ropes. This allows for dynamic adjustment of the baffle's position by the contraction or expansion of the sensing airbag itself. Simultaneously, a return spring ensures that the baffle is in a semi-open state when the lever structure is initially balanced. This enables monitoring with a small negative pressure and dynamically increases the negative pressure to improve suction efficiency when a large amount of sputum is produced.

[0021] Furthermore, a connecting block is provided in the middle of the sensing airbag, and the connecting block is connected to the connecting rope.

[0022] With the above setup, the connecting block facilitates the amplification of the force exerted on the connecting rope when the sensing airbag contracts, thereby improving the sensitivity of the lever structure's feedback.

[0023] Furthermore, the sensing airbag is covered with a placement box, which is adhered to the lower half of the sensing airbag.

[0024] With the above setup, the airbag can be positioned using the placement box, and the airbag can be directionally contracted or expanded, thus improving the reliability of this solution.

[0025] Furthermore, a collection bottle is connected to the sensing airbag, and the collection bottle is equipped with a switch valve.

[0026] Furthermore, the collection bottle is provided with graduation lines.

[0027] With the above setup, sputum can be collected and temporarily stored using a collection bottle, and the amount of sputum collected each time can be observed in real time, which is helpful for assessing the patient's condition.

[0028] Furthermore, multiple limiting grooves are provided on both the connecting rod and the air intake pipe.

[0029] The above settings allow for adjustment of the force ratio at both ends of the lever structure, enabling it to be applied to different patients without adjusting the size of the negative pressure fan, thus reducing the power requirement of the negative pressure fan.

[0030] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this solution are:

[0031] 1. This solution creatively utilizes Bernoulli's principle to generate local pressure changes in the constricted section of the intake manifold, driving the sensing airbag to operate. A cleverly designed lever-type lifting assembly directly translates the deformation of the sensing airbag into adjustment of the baffle position. This process is entirely driven by fluid dynamics and mechanical structure, achieving a closed-loop feedback from pressure sensing to action execution. It eliminates the complexity of electronic systems, resulting in a simpler, more robust device structure with strong anti-interference capabilities, significantly reduced manufacturing and maintenance costs, and greatly improved reliability and safety for long-term use in medical environments.

[0032] 2. The adjustment mechanism of this protocol is continuous, real-time, and has negative feedback characteristics. When viscous sputum leads to poor drainage, it can automatically sense and tend to increase the effective negative pressure to overcome resistance; when the secretions are thin or the catheter opening is close to the mucosa, it can sensitively reduce the negative pressure to prevent damage. This dynamic balancing ability allows the drainage pressure to be finely adjusted within an optimal range, not only achieving "drainage on demand" in terms of effectiveness and greatly improving clearance efficiency, but more importantly, ensuring "millimeter-level protection" in terms of safety, minimizing the risk of mucosal damage and adverse nerve reflexes caused by improper suction, thereby significantly improving the patient's treatment comfort and tolerance.

[0033] 3. This solution significantly optimizes workflow and improves the quality of care. Once activated, the device's adaptive adjustment function eliminates the need for frequent interruptions to monitor and adjust negative pressure parameters, shifting from continuous manual intervention to intelligent monitoring after setup. This frees nurses from tedious, repetitive tasks and reduces labor costs. Simultaneously, stable and safe continuous drainage effectively maintains the cleanliness of the patient's oropharynx, virtually eliminating the risk of secretion accumulation during nursing intervals. This provides a more proactive and reliable technical guarantee for preventing aspiration pneumonia and skin complications. Furthermore, the optional collection bottle and its graduation design quantify and visualize the drainage fluid, providing objective and continuous reference data for clinical observation and efficacy evaluation, supporting more precise medical decision-making. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of an oropharyngeal secretion drainage device for patients with dysphagia according to Embodiment 2;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a front view of an oropharyngeal secretion drainage device for patients with dysphagia according to Embodiment 2;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a top view of an oropharyngeal secretion drainage device for patients with dysphagia according to Embodiment 2;

[0037] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Sectional view of AA.

[0038] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include: 1. Sensing airbag; 2. Connecting block; 3. Placement box; 4. Negative pressure fan; 5. Suction pipe; 6. Inlet pipe; 7. Baffle; 8. Fixing plate; 9. Return spring; 10. Fixing rod; 11. Limiting groove; 12. Rotating shaft; 13. Connecting rod; 14. Connecting rope; 15. Drainage pipe; 16. Collection bottle; 17. Collection tube; 18. Switch valve. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The present invention will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments:

[0040] Example 1

[0041] A device for draining oropharyngeal secretions from patients with dysphagia, comprising:

[0042] The sensing airbag 1 is made of rubber and has ventilation holes at both ends. A connecting block 2 is attached to the middle of the upper surface of the sensing airbag 1. The connecting block 2 helps to ensure the reliability of the connecting rope 14 in maintaining movement due to changes in the sensing airbag 1. In this embodiment, the lower half of the sensing airbag 1 is covered by a placement box 3, which is attached to the lower half of the sensing airbag 1. This allows the upper half of the sensing airbag 1 to mainly contract or expand, thereby helping to maintain the stability of the lever structure.

[0043] Negative pressure fan 4 is connected to the vent on the right side through the suction pipe 5.

[0044] The intake pipe 6 includes a first straight section, a constriction section, and a second straight section. The diameter of the second straight section is smaller than that of the first straight section. The first straight section is connected to the drainage pipe 15, and the second straight section is connected to the vent on the left side. An opening is provided on the first straight section of the intake pipe 6, and the length of the opening is smaller than the diameter of the first straight section.

[0045] Baffle 7 is slidably and sealingly connected to the opening. The lower side of baffle 7 is located inside the air intake pipe 6. A fixing plate 8 is attached to the top of baffle 7. The width of fixing plate 8 is greater than the width of baffle 7.

[0046] A lifting assembly is included, capable of adjusting the position of the baffle 7 according to the contraction of the sensing airbag 1. In this embodiment, the lifting assembly includes:

[0047] Two return springs 9 are symmetrically connected between the outer surface of the first straight section of the intake pipe 6 and the fixed plate 8.

[0048] A fixing rod 10 is disposed on the second straight section of the air intake pipe 6 and located between the baffle 7 and the sensing airbag 1. In this embodiment, multiple limiting grooves 11 are spaced apart on the second straight section of the air intake pipe 6, thereby allowing adjustment of the position of the fixing rod 10. This adjusts the lever arm length on both sides of the lever structure, indirectly achieving adjustment of the force application ratio. This allows the solution to be applicable to different patients without changing the initial suction force. Rotating shafts 12 are fixedly connected to both the front and rear sides of the fixing rod 10, with the rotating shafts 12 located on the upper side of the fixing rod 10.

[0049] The connecting rod 13 has multiple equidistant limiting grooves 11 distributed along its length. The connecting rod 13 is rotatably connected to the fixed rod 10 through the limiting grooves 11. The length of the end of the connecting rod 13 near the baffle 7 and the rotation point is greater than the length of the end of the connecting rod 13 near the sensing airbag 1 and the rotation point. This leverages the lever principle to amplify the force exerted by the sensing airbag 1 on the baffle 7 due to slight contraction or expansion, thereby achieving adjustment of the position of the baffle 7.

[0050] Two connecting ropes 14 are respectively installed between the air intake pipe 6 and the connecting rod 13, and between the connecting block 2 and the connecting rod 13.

[0051] Drainage tube 15 is inserted into the air intake tube 6.

[0052] The working process of this embodiment is as follows:

[0053] Initial state of the device: The sensing airbag 1 is in a naturally relaxed equilibrium position (without contraction or expansion). Under the action of the return spring 9, the lower part of the baffle 7 extends into the opening of the air intake pipe 6, so that the second straight section of the air intake pipe 6 is in a half-open state. The connecting rod 13 is connected to the fixed plate 8 and the connecting block 2 in the middle of the sensing airbag 1 respectively through the connecting rope 14, forming a lever structure with the rotating shaft 12 on the fixed rod 10 as the fulcrum. At this time, the entire device is in initial static equilibrium.

[0054] During operation, the negative pressure fan 4 is activated to maintain an initial suction force. This suction force acts on the right cavity of the sensing airbag 1 through the suction pipe 5, and further acts on the downstream region of the constriction section of the second iso-straight section of the inlet pipe 6 through the vent. Driven by suction, airflow enters through the inlet of the drainage tube 15 connecting to the patient's oropharynx, flowing sequentially through the first iso-straight section, the constriction section, and the second iso-straight section of the inlet pipe 6. According to Bernoulli's principle, the airflow velocity increases as it flows through the constriction section, which has a narrower cross-section, resulting in a significant decrease in the hydrostatic pressure in this region. This localized low pressure is transmitted to the left cavity of the sensing airbag 1 through the left vent. Thus, a unified pressure environment controlled by the dynamic pressure of the constriction section is formed inside the sensing airbag 1 (with the left and right cavities connected). When the drainage system is working normally, if the effective negative pressure acting on the patient's oropharynx is within the preset appropriate range, the deformation of the sensing airbag 1 and the tension of the return spring 9 reach a dynamic balance through the lever structure, and the baffle 7 is kept in a relatively stable intermediate position, allowing a portion of ambient air to be stably mixed into the main airflow through the opening, thereby maintaining the negative pressure at the drainage end at the ideal level.

[0055] When a patient experiences increased oropharyngeal secretions, thickened sputum, or temporary close contact between the drainage tube 15 and tissue, leading to increased drainage resistance, the airflow velocity through the constriction section changes, affecting the pressure at that location. At this time, the pressure inside the sensing airbag 1 changes accordingly, and its upper part contracts under the influence of the internal and external pressure difference. The contraction of the airbag pulls the connecting rope 14 via the connecting block 2, causing the end of the connecting rod 13 near the sensing airbag 1 to be pulled down. Due to leverage, the end of the connecting rod 13 near the baffle 7 is pried upwards, thereby raising the position of the baffle 7 via the connecting rope 14 on that side. The rise of the baffle 7 expands the open area of ​​the air inlet pipe 6, allowing the suction force generated by the negative pressure fan 4 to act more effectively on the end of the drainage tube 15, thereby automatically increasing the drainage negative pressure to overcome the increased resistance and ensure effective removal of secretions.

[0056] Conversely, when secretions are thin or drainage is very smooth, the resistance of the drainage system decreases, and the negative pressure at the end of the drainage tube 15 decreases. The sensing airbag 1 expands due to its own elasticity and the elasticity of the return spring 9. The expansion of the sensing airbag 1 relaxes the tension on the connecting rope 14. Under the downward pull of the return spring 9 and the reverse movement of the lever, the baffle 7 is pushed down, reducing the opening area of ​​the second straight section in the air inlet tube 6. At this time, the actual negative pressure acting on the patient's oropharynx is actively reduced, avoiding excessive suction and damage to the fragile mucosa.

[0057] This embodiment utilizes a negative pressure fan 4 to provide a lower negative pressure suction, reducing excessive suction on the patient and enabling real-time monitoring. When the patient produces a large amount of sputum, the suction power of the drainage system is dynamically adjusted to accelerate sputum drainage. This achieves active monitoring and dynamic suction, significantly reducing the workload of medical staff and effectively mitigating or preventing harm to the patient.

[0058] Example 2

[0059] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 lies only in the following: In this embodiment, a collection bottle 16 is connected to the induction airbag 1, and the collection bottle 16 is connected to the induction airbag 1 via a collection tube 17. A through hole is provided on the placement box 3 for the collection tube 17 to pass through. A threaded hole is provided at the bottom of the induction airbag 1, and the upper end of the collection tube 17 is threadedly connected to the threaded hole. The collection bottle 16 has graduation lines and a switch valve 18. The collection bottle 16 can collect sputum or secretions generated during each drainage process, and the collection status of secretions can be observed in real time using the graduation lines, thereby allowing for a better understanding of the patient's condition and the development of more effective treatment strategies.

[0060] The difference between the working process of this embodiment and that of Embodiment 1 is that: after each drainage, the valve 18 is opened so that the drained secretions can enter the collection bottle 16 through the collection tube 17. The collection bottle 16 is used to temporarily store the secretions, and at the same time, the drainage volume of each secretion can be recorded and evaluated, so as to formulate a treatment strategy more suitable for the patient.

[0061] The above are merely embodiments of the present invention, and common knowledge such as specific structures and / or characteristics in the solutions are not described in detail here. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the structure of the present invention, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention. These modifications and improvements will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of the present invention or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application should be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. A device for draining oropharyngeal secretions in patients with dysphagia, characterized in that, include: The sensing airbag (1) has ventilation holes at both ends; A negative pressure fan (4) is connected to a vent. An air intake pipe (6) is provided with an opening. The air intake pipe (6) includes a first straight section, a constriction section and a second straight section. The diameter of the second straight section is smaller than the diameter of the first straight section. The first straight section is connected to a drainage pipe (15) and the second straight section is connected to another vent. Baffle (7), the baffle (7) is slidably and sealingly connected to the opening, and one side of the baffle (7) is located inside the air intake pipe (6); The lifting assembly can adjust the position of the baffle (7) according to the contraction of the sensing airbag (1); Drainage tube (15), which is connected to the air intake tube (6).

2. The oropharyngeal secretion drainage device for patients with dysphagia according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting assembly includes: A return spring (9) is connected between the outer surface of the intake pipe (6) and the top of the baffle (7); A fixing rod (10) is provided on the air intake pipe (6) and located between the baffle (7) and the sensing airbag (1); The connecting rod (13) is rotatably connected to the fixed rod (10). The length of the end of the connecting rod (13) near the baffle (7) and the rotation point is greater than the length of the end of the connecting rod (13) near the sensing airbag (1) and the rotation point. Two connecting ropes (14) are respectively set between the air intake pipe (6) and the connecting rod (13), and between the connecting block (2) and the connecting rod (13).

3. The oropharyngeal secretion drainage device for patients with dysphagia according to claim 2, characterized in that: The induction airbag (1) has a connecting block (2) in the middle, and the connecting block (2) is connected to the connecting rope (14).

4. A device for draining oropharyngeal secretions in patients with dysphagia according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sensing airbag (1) is covered by a placement box (3), which is attached to the lower half of the sensing airbag (1).

5. A device for draining oropharyngeal secretions in patients with dysphagia according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sensing airbag (1) is connected to a collection bottle (16), and the collection bottle (16) is provided with a switch valve (18).

6. A device for draining oropharyngeal secretions in patients with dysphagia according to claim 5, characterized in that: The collection bottle (16) is provided with graduation lines.

7. A drainage device for oropharyngeal secretions in patients with dysphagia according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: Multiple limiting grooves (11) are provided on both the connecting rod (13) and the air intake pipe (6).

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