Trachea cannula structure for monitoring breathing sound based on vibration isolation and noise suppression

Abstract

The application provides a trachea cannula structure for respiratory sound monitoring based on vibration isolation and noise suppression, which comprises: a trachea body comprising a tube wall surrounding an artificial airway; a vibration isolation layer arranged on the inner wall surface of the tube wall facing the artificial airway; a suspension layer arranged on the side of the vibration isolation layer away from the tube wall; and a respiratory sound sensor arranged on the side of the suspension layer away from the vibration isolation layer to form a vibration isolation area between the respiratory sound sensor and the tube wall, so that the respiratory sound sensor acquires the acoustic vibration excited when the respiratory airflow passes through the artificial airway while suppressing the transmission of non-target mechanical vibration to the respiratory sound sensor through the tube wall. The problem of mechanical vibration caused by the overall vibration of the catheter and external disturbance easily mixing into the acoustic vibration generated by respiration and greatly reducing the signal-to-noise ratio of the original collected signal is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of endotracheal intubation technology, and in particular to an endotracheal intubation structure for monitoring respiratory sounds based on vibration isolation and noise suppression. Background Technology

[0002] Endotracheal intubation is a crucial medical device for establishing an artificial airway and implementing mechanical ventilation in clinical practice, widely used in anesthesia, surgery, intensive care, and the resuscitation of critically ill patients. During clinical mechanical ventilation, anesthesia, and intensive care, continuous and accurate monitoring of the patient's respiratory status is of paramount importance for assessing ventilation effectiveness, judging changes in the patient's condition, and guiding treatment. Among these monitoring parameters, breath sounds, as important physiological signals reflecting airway patency and secretion levels, have increasingly become a key focus of monitoring in recent years.

[0003] In existing technologies, breath sounds are typically acquired by integrating electroacoustic sensors or fiber optic sensors into endotracheal tubes or breathing circuits. While this approach can acquire airflow-related acoustic signals to a certain extent, significant interference issues remain in practical clinical applications, resulting in a low signal-to-noise ratio and affecting the accuracy of subsequent analysis and judgment. Specifically, this manifests in the following ways: First, the catheter is inevitably subject to mechanical vibration interference during use. For example, patient movement, medical staff operation, and ventilator tubing swaying can all cause the catheter to vibrate. This type of vibration can be directly transmitted to the sensor, thus forming a noise component in the acquired signal and masking effective breath sound information.

[0004] Secondly, external vibration sources commonly found in the clinical environment can also affect signal acquisition. For example, vibrations from infusion pumps, negative pressure suction devices, and the bed structure itself can propagate through catheters or their fixed structures and be superimposed on the breath sound signal, further reducing signal quality and stability.

[0005] Furthermore, most existing sensors are rigidly coupled, meaning they are fixed to the duct wall through adhesion, embedding, or hard connection. While this structure effectively transmits airflow sound signals, it also indiscriminately transmits the aforementioned mechanical vibrations to the sensor, resulting in a large amount of non-target noise components in the acquired signal. This further increases the difficulty of backend signal processing and algorithm filtering, limiting the improvement of respiratory sound monitoring accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention aims to provide a respiratory sound monitoring endotracheal intubation structure based on vibration isolation and noise suppression, in order to solve the problem that mechanical vibrations caused by the overall vibration of the catheter and external disturbances can easily be mixed into the acoustic vibrations generated by breathing, significantly reducing the signal-to-noise ratio of the original acquired signal.

[0007] To achieve this objective, the present invention provides a respiratory sound monitoring endotracheal intubation structure based on vibration isolation and noise suppression, the technical solution of which is as follows: A respiratory sound monitoring endotracheal intubation structure based on vibration isolation and noise suppression, the structure comprising: The trachea itself, including the walls surrounding the trachea that form the artificial airway; A vibration damping layer is disposed on the inner wall surface of the pipe facing the artificial airway; A suspension layer is disposed on the side of the vibration isolation layer away from the pipe wall; A respiratory sound sensor is disposed on the side of the suspension layer away from the vibration isolation layer, so that a vibration isolation zone is formed between the respiratory sound sensor and the tube wall. Thus, while the respiratory sound sensor acquires the acoustic vibrations excited by the breathing airflow passing through the artificial airway, it suppresses the transmission of non-target mechanical vibrations through the tube wall to the respiratory sound sensor.

[0008] As one of the preferred options, the vibration isolation layer is made of damping material.

[0009] As one preferred embodiment, the vibration isolation layer extends close to the inner wall surface of the pipe wall; wherein, the circumferential extension length of the vibration isolation layer is less than or equal to the inner edge length of the pipe wall, and the axial extension length of the vibration isolation layer is less than the pipe length of the pipe wall.

[0010] As one of the preferred options, the suspension layer is made of a flexible material.

[0011] As one preferred embodiment, the suspension layer includes at least one longitudinal support bar that extends axially along the pipe wall; In the case of multiple longitudinal support bars, the multiple longitudinal support bars are arranged radially at intervals, and a vibration isolation air gap is formed between two adjacent longitudinal support bars; The breathing sound sensor is connected across multiple longitudinal support bars.

[0012] As one preferred embodiment, the suspension layer includes at least one support band that extends circumferentially around the pipe wall; In the case of multiple support bands, the multiple support bands are axially spaced apart, and a vibration isolation air gap is formed between two adjacent support bands; The breathing sound sensor is connected across multiple support straps.

[0013] As one of the preferred options, the breathing sound sensor is wound around the support band.

[0014] As one preferred embodiment, the suspension layer includes a micro-support having multiple open channels for forming vibration-damping air gaps.

[0015] As one preferred embodiment, the respiratory sound sensor includes an optical fiber sensor, which comprises an interconnected optical fiber transmission line and a sensitive element. The sensitive element is used to convert the vibration or strain caused by the acoustic vibration into a change in optical signal and transmit it through the optical fiber transmission line. The sensitive element is disposed corresponding to the suspension layer, and the optical fiber transmission line extends from the artificial airway through the tube wall.

[0016] As one preferred embodiment, the structure further includes: An optical fiber demodulator, connected to the optical fiber sensor, is used to receive and demodulate the changes in the optical signal transmitted by the optical fiber sensor, thereby enabling real-time monitoring of respiratory sound information.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following advantages: The endotracheal intubation structure provided in this application embodiment ensures that mechanical vibrations caused by patient movement, equipment vibration, or tubing swaying are transmitted to the breath sound sensor only after passing through the tube wall, vibration isolation layer, and suspension layer in sequence. These vibrations are attenuated at each interface, thus reducing the effective transmission of non-target mechanical vibration energy. Simultaneously, the breath sound sensor is embedded within the artificial airway, effectively coupling acoustic pressure waves or micro-vibration signals excited by airflow to the sensor. Because a vibration isolation zone (an open vibration isolation space composed of the vibration isolation layer, suspension layer, and the space between them) exists between the breath sound sensor and the tube wall, mechanical vibrations caused by external disturbances are significantly attenuated or isolated within this zone. This allows the breath sound sensor to primarily respond to the breath sound signal generated by airflow-induced acoustic vibration, while significantly reducing the response to non-target mechanical vibrations, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the acquired signal. For example, this can improve the detectability of weak pathological breath sounds (such as moist rales). Thus, through the above structural design, this solution regulates the vibration transmission path from the signal source. Compared with the method that relies solely on back-end signal processing, it can effectively improve the quality of the original signal of the breath sound acquisition and reduce the complexity of subsequent algorithm processing. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application, the drawings used in the description of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an embodiment of the endotracheal intubation structure of this application; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a tracheal cannula structure in which an optical fiber transmission line passes through the tracheal tube body according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 This is a side view of one structural form of the endotracheal intubation structure of this application; Figure 4 This is a side cross-sectional view of one structural form of the endotracheal tube structure of this application; Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the acquisition area corresponding to another structural form of the endotracheal tube structure of this application; Figure 6 This is an internal perspective view of the acquisition area corresponding to another structural form of the endotracheal cannula structure of this application; Figure 7 This is a frontal cross-sectional view of the acquisition area corresponding to another structural form of the endotracheal cannula structure of this application; Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the acquisition area corresponding to another structural form of the endotracheal tube structure of this application; Figure 9 This is a side view of the acquisition area corresponding to another structural form of the endotracheal tube structure of this application; Figure 10 This is a frontal cross-sectional view of the acquisition area corresponding to another structural form of the endotracheal intubation structure of this application.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Trachea body; 11. Artificial airway; 12. Tube wall; 2. Collection area; 3. Airbag; 4. Inflation tube; 5. Interface; 6. Vibration isolation layer; 7. Suspension layer; 71. Hoop; 8. Fiber optic sensor; 81. Transmission section; 82. Grating section; 101. Vibration isolation air gap. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0022] It should be noted that the generation of breath sounds essentially originates from the aeroacoustic phenomena formed by the interaction of gas with the airway walls and secretions during the flow of gas within the airway. When a patient inhales or exhales, the airflow creates vibrations or pressure fluctuations through the trachea and bronchi, which propagate as sound waves along the airway and duct. Based on this, breath sound acquisition technology typically involves attaching sensors close to the endotracheal tube or breathing tubing to sense and convert these acoustic signals. For example, electroacoustic sensors (such as microphones and piezoelectric elements) sense pressure fluctuations excited by the respiratory airflow or the resulting micro-vibrations in the duct wall 12 and convert them into electrical signals; fiber optic sensors (such as fiber optic sensor 8) acquire acoustic information by detecting changes in optical properties caused by minute strains or vibrations excited by the respiratory airflow.

[0023] It should be noted that the effective acquisition of breath sound signals depends on the coupling efficiency of aeroacoustic signals to the sensor. This means ensuring that weak vibrations or pressure waves induced by airflow are effectively transmitted to the sensor while minimizing the superposition interference from non-target mechanical vibrations (such as duct swaying or external vibrations). However, in actual structures, because the sensor is directly and rigidly connected to the duct wall 12, the overall vibration of the duct wall 12 is used as the acoustic signal. This causes other mechanical vibrations besides airflow-induced vibrations to be synchronously coupled and amplified, thus adversely affecting the authenticity and distinguishability of the breath sound signals.

[0024] Existing technologies also attempt to optimize the acquired acoustic and vibration signals through back-end signal processing. For example, bandpass filtering, adaptive filtering, or feature extraction-based noise reduction algorithms are used to suppress the interference of low-frequency mechanical vibrations or environmental noise on respiratory sound signals. Although the above-mentioned software filtering methods can reduce noise components in specific frequency bands to some extent, the rigid coupling between the sensor and the catheter results in inherent quality defects in the acquired signal during the formation stage, making it difficult to effectively distinguish and completely eliminate noise by relying solely on back-end processing. At the same time, over-reliance on complex algorithms for noise suppression significantly increases the system's computational burden and real-time processing pressure.

[0025] Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the structural design and vibration transmission path between the sensor and the catheter from the source of signal acquisition. While ensuring effective coupling of respiratory sounds, it is necessary to suppress or isolate the transmission of non-target mechanical vibrations, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the original acquired signal and simplifying the complexity of back-end signal processing.

[0026] Based on the above considerations, and referring to Figures 1-2 As shown, Figures 1-2The overall structural diagrams of the endotracheal intubation structure for respiratory sound monitoring based on vibration isolation and noise suppression of this application are shown. This invention provides an endotracheal intubation structure for respiratory sound monitoring based on vibration isolation and noise suppression, comprising: an endotracheal body 1, including a tube wall 12 surrounding an artificial airway 11; a vibration isolation layer 6 disposed on the inner wall surface of the tube wall 12 facing the artificial airway 11; a suspension layer 7 disposed on the side of the vibration isolation layer 6 away from the tube wall 12; and a respiratory sound sensor disposed on the side of the suspension layer 7 away from the vibration isolation layer 6, so that a vibration isolation zone is formed between the respiratory sound sensor and the tube wall 12, thereby allowing the respiratory sound sensor to acquire the acoustic vibrations excited when the respiratory airflow passes through the artificial airway 11 while suppressing the transmission of non-target mechanical vibrations through the tube wall 12 to the respiratory sound sensor.

[0027] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the tracheal structure provided in this embodiment mainly includes a tracheal body 1, a vibration isolation layer 6, a suspension layer 7, and a respiratory sound sensor. It can be applied as a whole in mechanical ventilation or anesthesia ventilation scenarios to ensure stable acquisition of respiratory sound signals while maintaining ventilation function. The tracheal body 1 can adopt the conventional endotracheal intubation structure used in clinical practice. It may include a hollow tubular catheter / tracheal body 1 (tube body), with the lumen forming an artificial airway 11 for mechanical ventilation. The tube wall 12 withstands the impact of respiratory airflow and generates micro-vibrations during mechanical ventilation. The proximal end of the catheter body may have a standard interface 5 for connection to a ventilator, while the distal end is the opening for insertion into the patient's airway, which can be straight or have a preset curved arc. An air bag 3 is usually located near the distal opening of the catheter body. The air bag 3 is connected to an external inflation valve through a narrow inflation tube 4 that extends through the catheter body. After intubation, it inflates to fit against the tracheal wall 12, and the insertion depth can be marked on the catheter body. The entire trachea body 1 can be made of medical-grade PVC, silicone or other biocompatible materials, possessing a certain degree of flexibility and strength.

[0028] A vibration damping layer 6 is disposed on the inner wall surface of the tube wall 12 facing the artificial airway 11 / lumen, and is used for primary attenuation of mechanical vibrations transmitted by the tube wall 12. The vibration damping layer 6 can be a continuously arranged thin layer structure or a discontinuously distributed local structure. Its material is preferably an elastic material with certain damping characteristics, so as to reduce the vibration amplitude through the energy dissipation characteristics of the material itself. The thickness of the vibration damping layer 6 should be less than the inner diameter of the tube to avoid affecting the passage of respiratory airflow.

[0029] The suspension layer 7 is located on the side of the vibration isolation layer 6 away from the tube wall 12, and is used to support the respiratory sound sensor, thereby creating a vibration isolation zone between the respiratory sound sensor and the tube wall 12. Respiratory sound is essentially a pressure fluctuation generated by airflow within the airway. The respiratory sound sensor is located on the side of the suspension layer 7 facing the artificial airway 11, meaning it is placed within the respiratory airflow. It can be used to directly sense the vibrations generated when the respiratory airflow passes through the artificial airway 11. These vibrations include pressure fluctuations and structural micro-vibrations caused by airflow disturbances. Based on the vibrations or pressure changes caused by these vibrations, the sensor performs signal sensing and conversion, transforming the vibrations into detectable electrical or optical signals for output, thus acquiring the respiratory sound signal corresponding to the vibrations.

[0030] The vibration isolation zone is a vibration isolation space jointly formed by the vibration isolation layer 6, the suspension layer 7, and the space between them. Specifically, the suspension layer 7 can be an independent support structure, which can be regarded as an intermediate connector between the breath sound sensor and the vibration isolation layer 6, such as a flexible support column, flexible rib, or point connection structure, so that the breath sound sensor is in a state of "suspended" or "semi-suspended" relative to the pipe wall 12 / vibration isolation layer 6 in space. For example, the vibration isolation layer 6, the suspension layer 7, and the breath sound sensor are stacked sequentially from the inner wall of the pipe towards the center of the lumen, so the radially stacked vibration isolation layer 6 and the suspension layer 7 constitute the vibration isolation zone. For example, the vibration isolation layer 6, multiple suspension layers 7 arranged in the same layer, and the breath sound sensor are arranged sequentially from the inner wall of the pipe towards the center of the lumen. The breath sound sensor is connected across multiple suspension layers 7 in the same layer, and gaps are formed between the multiple suspension layers 7. Therefore, the radially stacked vibration isolation layer 6, the suspension layer 7, and the gaps between the suspension layers 7 together constitute the vibration isolation zone.

[0031] Because of the vibration isolation zone, mechanical vibrations caused by patient movement, equipment vibration, or tubing sway must pass sequentially through the tube wall 12, vibration isolation layer 6, and suspension layer 7 before reaching the sensor. These vibrations are attenuated at each interface, thus reducing the effective transmission of non-target mechanical vibration energy. Simultaneously, the respiratory sound sensor is embedded within the artificial airway 11, effectively coupling acoustic pressure waves or micro-vibration signals excited by airflow to the sensor. Due to the vibration isolation zone (an open vibration isolation space formed by the vibration isolation layer 6, suspension layer 7, and the space between them) between the respiratory sound sensor and the tube wall 12, mechanical vibrations caused by external disturbances are significantly attenuated or isolated within this zone. This allows the respiratory sound sensor to primarily respond to respiratory sound signals generated by airflow-induced acoustic vibrations, while significantly reducing the response to non-target mechanical vibrations, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the acquired signal. For example, this can improve the detectability of weak pathological respiratory sounds (such as moist rales). Thus, through the above structural design, this solution regulates the vibration transmission path from the signal source. Compared with the method that relies solely on back-end signal processing, it can effectively improve the quality of the original signal of the breath sound acquisition and reduce the complexity of subsequent algorithm processing.

[0032] Then, the vibration isolation layer 6 is made of a high-damping elastic material, which can efficiently dissipate vibration energy, thereby attenuating the vibration transmitted by the pipe wall 12. The damping material can be selected from silicone rubber, polyurethane elastomer, butyl rubber, foam material, gel material or other polymer materials with high internal friction characteristics. When subjected to vibration, it can convert part of the mechanical energy into heat energy, thereby reducing the vibration amplitude.

[0033] Then, the suspension layer 7 is made of a flexible material to give it a certain degree of compliance and deformation capability, thereby structurally achieving a non-rigid connection between the respiratory sound sensor and the tube wall 12. The flexible material can be selected from silicone rubber, polymer elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, etc., thereby preventing mechanical vibrations from the tube wall 12 from being efficiently coupled to the respiratory sound sensor along the rigid connection path, achieving the blocking or attenuation of mechanical vibrations. At the same time, the suspension layer 7 provides mechanical support and positioning for the respiratory sound sensor, keeping it in a preset position to ensure stable acquisition of acoustic vibration signals within the artificial airway 11.

[0034] Then, by designing the structure of the suspension layer 7, a tiny cavity or gap can be formed on the side of the breathing sound sensor facing the tube wall 12. This gap, located within the tube cavity, allows only breathing airflow to pass through, forming an open vibration-damping air gap 101. Since the air medium has a weak ability to transmit structural vibrations, this vibration-damping air gap 101 can significantly weaken the propagation of mechanical vibrations transmitted from the tube wall 12, greatly improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the breathing sound signal. In some embodiments, the overall shape of the suspension layer 7 can be adjusted as needed to establish vibration-damping zones of varying sizes, shapes, and internal structures, thereby achieving different degrees of vibration isolation effects. The specific structural form of this part can be further described in the relevant section on suspension layer 7 below.

[0035] In some embodiments, the vibration isolation layer 6 may be omitted, and the breathing sound sensor may be flexibly coupled to the inner wall of the tube via the suspension layer 7. In some embodiments, the suspension layer 7 may be omitted, and the breathing sound sensor may be disposed on the vibration isolation layer 6. In some embodiments, the suspension layer 7 may not form a vibration isolation air gap 101.

[0036] In an optional embodiment, a protective layer or sound-permeable protective film may be provided around the respiratory sound sensor to prevent secretions or condensation from affecting its performance. The protective structure is also made of biocompatible materials, such as polyvinyl chloride, silicone, or thermoplastic elastomers.

[0037] In optional embodiments, the sensor can be an electroacoustic sensor or an optical sensor. Electroacoustic sensors include, but are not limited to, microphones, piezoelectric sensors, or MEMS microphones, while optical sensors include, but are not limited to, fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors and interferometric fiber optic sensors 8. The breath sound sensor can be embedded in the suspension layer 7, attached to its surface, or fixed to the suspension layer 7 by an encapsulation structure.

[0038] In another embodiment, the vibration isolation layer 6 extends close to the inner wall surface of the pipe wall 12; wherein, the circumferential extension length of the vibration isolation layer 6 is less than or equal to the inner edge length of the pipe wall 12, and the axial extension length of the vibration isolation layer 6 is less than the pipe length of the pipe wall 12. In this embodiment, the vibration isolation layer 6 is closely attached to the inner wall surface of the pipe wall 12 and extends along the inner surface of the artificial airway 11, so that a stable bonding relationship is formed between the vibration isolation layer 6 and the pipe wall 12. Specifically, the vibration isolation layer 6 can be fixed to the inner wall surface of the pipe wall 12 by means of bonding, hot pressing, overmolding, or integral molding.

[0039] In the circumferential direction, the vibration isolation layer 6 extends along the inner circumferential surface of the tube wall 12, and its circumferential extension length is less than or equal to the inner edge length of the tube wall 12. That is, in some embodiments, the vibration isolation layer 6 can form a complete annular structure around the artificial airway 11 to achieve uniform suppression of vibrations in all circumferential directions; while in other embodiments, the vibration isolation layer 6 can also cover only a part of the circumferential area to form an arc-shaped structure, for example, distributed along one or more sides, thereby reducing the occupation of the airflow channel while ensuring the vibration isolation effect. Preferably, the vibration isolation layer 6 is preferably a silicone damping ring that surrounds the entire airway. In other designs, the material, thickness, number of rings, fixing method, etc. of the vibration isolation layer 6 can be changed to customize the design for different clinical environments.

[0040] In the axial direction, the extension length of the vibration isolation layer 6 is less than the length of the tube wall 12, that is, the vibration isolation layer 6 is only disposed in a local axial region of the tube wall 12, rather than extending through the entire length of the trachea body 1. Preferably, the vibration isolation layer 6 can be arranged in the area where the sensitive element of the fiber optic sensor 8 is located, so as to specifically improve the vibration suppression effect at the location of the acquisition area 2 of the breath sound sensor.

[0041] Furthermore, the starting and ending positions of the vibration isolation layer 6 in the axial direction can be adjusted according to actual needs, for example, it can be set near the middle, distal, or proximal regions of the endotracheal tube. The distal region refers to the area near the patient's airway, while the proximal region is the area near the operator.

[0042] Based on the above embodiments, by designing the structure of the suspension layer 7, an open or semi-open micro-cavity or gap can be formed on the side of the respiratory sound sensor facing the tube wall 12. This gap can serve as a vibration isolation air gap 101, working together with the vibration isolation layer 6 and the suspension layer 7 to attenuate externally generated mechanical vibrations in multiple stages. The respiratory sound sensor preferably uses a fiber optic sensor 8. First, the fiber optic sensor 8 has high sensitivity to minute strains, making it particularly suitable for sensing weak acoustic vibration signals excited by respiratory airflow. Simultaneously, with the support of the suspension layer 7, the sensitive element is in a suspended or semi-suspended state, reducing its constraint stiffness. The fiber optic sensor 8 is lightweight and flexible, allowing for a smaller diameter and more flexible design. The fiber optic transmission line portion etched with the sensitive element (referred to as the grating segment 82) is easily wound, bridging, or embedded along the suspension layer 7, ensuring stable connection and good fit without significantly affecting the effective ventilation cross-section of the artificial airway 11, thus contributing to the safety of clinical applications. The fiber optic transmission line section without etched sensing elements (referred to as transmission section 81) can directly exit from the tube wall 12, facilitating connection to external demodulation equipment and offering flexible structural arrangement. The sensing element can be a single fiber Bragg grating or an array of multiple fiber Bragg gratings spaced apart along the fiber axis to achieve multi-point measurement. In some optional embodiments, the sensing element can be a single fiber Bragg grating or an array of multiple fiber Bragg gratings spaced apart along the fiber axis to achieve multi-point measurement.

[0043] Therefore, the vibration isolation layer 6, the suspension layer 7, and the grating segment 82 of the fiber optic sensor 8 are all arranged in the distal region of the catheter body, forming the acquisition area 2 in this region of the catheter body.

[0044] Please see Figures 3-4 , Figure 3 and Figure 4The illustration shows a suspension layer 7 consisting of longitudinal support bars, with multiple longitudinal support bars disposed on a complete annular vibration isolation layer 6. In one structural form, the suspension layer 7 includes at least one longitudinal support bar extending axially along the tube wall 12 to provide support and positioning for the breath sound sensor. Specifically, the longitudinal support bar is a strip-shaped structure, with its outer wall surface connected to the vibration isolation layer 6 and the breath sound sensor fixed to its inner wall surface. When only one longitudinal support bar is provided, the breath sound sensor can be fixed to this longitudinal support bar, and the longitudinal support bar and the vibration isolation layer 6 form a vibration isolation zone. In a preferred embodiment, the suspension layer 7 includes multiple longitudinal support bars distributed circumferentially and spaced apart radially. An opening or cavity structure is formed between two adjacent longitudinal support bars, constituting a vibration-damping air gap 101. Breathing sound sensors are connected across multiple longitudinal support bars, meaning each sensor is connected to a different support bar, suspending the entire sensor within the inner space of the tube wall 12 and directly opposite the vibration-damping air gap 101. Therefore, the longitudinal support bars, the vibration-damping layer 6, and the vibration-damping air gap 101 together form a vibration-damping zone. This vibration-damping air gap 101 effectively weakens the mechanical vibration transmitted by the tube wall 12 without obstructing the propagation of breathing airflow, thus structurally achieving differentiated transmission of mechanical vibration and aerodynamic sound signals.

[0045] In some embodiments, the number of longitudinal support bars can be two, three, or more, and their specific number and circumferential distribution can be adjusted according to the size, shape, and installation stability requirements of the breath sound sensor. For example, when three or more longitudinal support bars are provided, they can be evenly distributed circumferentially to improve support stability. Exemplarily, when two longitudinal support bars are provided, they can be symmetrically distributed, with the sensitive element of the fiber optic sensor 8 directly spanning between the two longitudinal support bars and in a suspended state to improve the response sensitivity to minor vibrations, and the fiber optic transmission line passing through the pipe wall 12. In this structure, there is no rigid connection between the breath sound sensor and the pipe wall 12, and through the combined action of the flexible support of the longitudinal support bars and the vibration isolation air gap 101, the mechanical vibration caused by external disturbances or vibration of the pipe wall 12 is significantly attenuated before being transmitted to the breath sound sensor.

[0046] In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the longitudinal support bar can be rectangular, arc-shaped or other shapes that fit the inner surface of the pipe wall 12, and its width, thickness and flexibility can also be designed as needed.

[0047] Please see Figures 5-7 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7The illustration shows a configuration with two annular vibration isolation layers 6. In other embodiments, multiple segmented vibration isolation layers 6 can also be configured, with each vibration isolation layer 6 corresponding to a suspension layer 7. Gaps are also formed between adjacent vibration isolation layers 6. In this embodiment, the vibration isolation layers 6, the gaps between vibration isolation layers 6, the suspension layers 7, and the gaps between suspension layers 7 together constitute the vibration isolation zone.

[0048] It is worth mentioning that the gap between the two adjacent suspension layers 7 is connected to the lumen, meaning that the vibration isolation air gap 101 is an open space / cavity. Since the ability of gas in this space to transmit mechanical vibrations is much less than that of a solid structure, the open vibration isolation air gap 101 can significantly weaken the low-frequency mechanical vibrations transmitted by the pipe wall 12. At the same time, it allows breathing airflow to pass through the vibration isolation air gap 101, so that the excited acoustic pressure wave can propagate to the breathing sound sensor to a certain extent. If the vibration isolation air gap 101 is a closed structure, the internal air will form an elastically coupled acoustic cavity under the action of mechanical vibration, and may even produce a resonance effect at a certain frequency, resulting in an amplification of the vibration signal, which is not conducive to the realization of the vibration isolation effect.

[0049] Please see Figures 8-10 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The illustration shows a suspension layer 7 as a support band, which includes an annular band body and uniformly arranged sleeves 71 on the band body. In another structural form, the suspension layer 7 includes at least one support band, which extends circumferentially along the tube wall 12 and forms an annular band around the artificial airway 11 to provide circumferential support and positioning for the respiratory sound sensor. With only one support band, the respiratory sound sensor can be fixed or mounted on the support band, forming a partial suspension structure. In a preferred embodiment, the suspension layer 7 includes multiple support bands, which are spaced apart along the axial direction of the tube wall 12, i.e., distributed along the length of the tube. An open space or cavity structure is formed between two adjacent support bands, constituting a vibration isolation air gap 101.

[0050] For example, the fiber optic sensor 8 includes a fiber optic transmission line and a sensitive element disposed on the fiber optic transmission line. The sensitive element is a fiber grating structure (FBG) used to sense minute strain caused by acoustic vibration and modulate the optical signal. Two fixed points of the fiber optic transmission line are respectively connected to the sleeves 71 of two support bands, meaning that fiber optic fixing positions are respectively set on the two support bands. The fixing method can be adhesive fixing, embedded fixing, arc-shaped clamping ring, or overmolding, to ensure the stability of the fiber optic at the corresponding position. Between the two fixed points, a fiber optic transmission line (grating segment 82) with the sensitive element etched on it is connected. That is, the grating segment 82 spans between adjacent support bands, so that the grating segment 82 is in a suspended state, i.e., it does not form a rigid connection with the tube wall 12, and a vibration isolation zone is formed between it and the tube wall 12. In this structure, when breathing airflow passes through the artificial airway 11 and excites acoustic vibration, the sensitive element senses the strain caused by the vibration and modulates the optical signal, realizing the acquisition of the breathing sound signal. Meanwhile, since the fiber optic sensor 8 achieves flexible support through the support band and there is a vibration isolation air gap 101 between it and the pipe wall 12, the mechanical vibration from the pipe wall 12 is significantly attenuated during transmission, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal.

[0051] Furthermore, the portion of the optical fiber transmission line without sensitive elements serves as a non-sensitive transmission segment 81 (transmission segment 81), which continues to extend from the tube wall 12 to achieve connection with external optical signal processing equipment. In addition, the grating segment 82 can be configured to be suspended with a predetermined degree of relaxation between fixed points to avoid tensile stress on the optical fiber when the conduit body bends.

[0052] Preferably, when the breath sound sensor is a fiber optic sensor 8, the thin-diameter fiber optic cable of the fiber optic sensor 8 can be wound around the support band one or more times, and is attached to the surface of the support band in a wrapping manner, and fixed by multiple sleeves 71 provided on the surface of the annular band. This wrapping fixation method provides more stable support and positioning.

[0053] In another structural form, the suspension layer 7 includes a micro-support, which is a supporting member disposed inside the tube wall 12 and serves to support the breath sound sensor. Multiple open channels are formed on the micro-support, penetrating or partially penetrating the micro-support, thereby structurally forming multiple vibration-damping air gaps 101. These gaps can be strip-shaped, circular, mesh-like, or irregularly shaped. The micro-support can be integrally fabricated using injection molding, compression molding, 3D printing, or other molding processes, and its overall structure is a suspension member with a predetermined geometry.

[0054] In some implementations, the structure of the micro-support can be equivalent to or correspond to a frame structure formed integrally by multiple longitudinal support bars connected by a connecting structure; or, the structure of the micro-support can also be equivalent to or correspond to a support structure formed by multiple support bands connected by a connecting structure. Therefore, the multiple open channels can be understood as being formed by the gaps between the longitudinal support bars or support bands.

[0055] The optical fiber transmission line can directly exit from the corresponding area of ​​the duct wall 12 where the suspension layer 7 is located. This involves creating a through-hole at the distal end of the duct body, allowing the optical fiber transmission line to exit via the shortest path from the through-hole on the side wall of the duct body. Alternatively, the optical fiber transmission line can extend along the axial direction of the tracheal body 1, ultimately exiting from the proximal opening of the tracheal body 1. This method eliminates the need for additional openings in the duct wall 12, facilitating connection to external equipment. In this configuration, the optical fiber transmission line can be attached to the inner wall of the duct through bonding, covering, or embedding to prevent it from interfering with mechanical ventilation during use.

[0056] The fiber optic demodulator is connected to the fiber optic transmission line of the fiber optic sensor 8 and then to a monitor or ventilator system. It receives changes in the optical signal from the fiber optic sensor 8, converts it into an electrical signal, and demodulates its vibration frequency and amplitude information to output respiratory sound data. The fiber optic demodulator may include a wavelength demodulation module, a phase demodulation module, a vibration analysis module, and a real-time spectrum analysis module. After algorithm processing, it obtains the time-domain and frequency-domain information of the respiratory sounds. In use, the trachea body 1 is inserted into the trachea via the mouth or nose in a conventional manner, and mechanical ventilation proceeds normally. The airflow and acoustic vibration generated by breathing are transmitted to the fiber optic sensor 8, causing deformation of the fiber optic sensor 8 and resulting in changes in the optical parameters inside the fiber. Therefore, the fiber optic sensor 8 converts the vibration information into optical signal information (such as wavelength information, phase information, etc.) and transmits it to the fiber optic demodulator via optical fiber. The fiber optic demodulator processes the optical signal using an algorithm to obtain the time-domain and frequency-domain information of the respiratory sounds. The fiber optic sensor 8 and the fiber optic demodulator are commercially available, and their working principle and demodulation method are well-known technologies in the field; therefore, this embodiment will not elaborate further.

[0057] To enable those skilled in the art to more clearly understand the present invention, the following embodiments will be used to provide a detailed description of the endotracheal intubation structure for respiratory sound monitoring based on vibration isolation and noise suppression of the present invention.

[0058] The endotracheal tube body 1 is a PVC endotracheal cannula with an inner diameter of 7.0 mm for adults. A silicone vibration damping ring is installed on the inner wall of the distal end (0-10 cm), surrounding the cannula. The silicone vibration damping ring is approximately 5 mm wide and 1.5 mm thick. The outer diameter of the silicone vibration damping ring is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the cannula body, and it adheres to the inner wall of the cannula, forming a tight fit with the cannula body. Two annular support bands are installed on the inner side of the silicone vibration damping ring by spot bonding, located on the left and right edges of the silicone vibration damping ring, respectively. The overall length of the optical fiber transmission line of the optical fiber sensor 8 is approximately 20 mm. The transmission segment 81 of the optical fiber sensor 8 is initially fixed to the two support bands after being wrapped around them once, and then further fixed by the sleeves 71 on the support bands. The sleeves 71 apply a slight radial clamping force to the optical fiber, making the optical fiber stable and preventing displacement while retaining sufficient elasticity. The grating segment 82 of the optical fiber sensor 8 is suspended between the two support bands, thus forming a bridge connection structure between the vibration damping ring and the suspension layer 7. Then the transmission segment 81 of the fiber optic sensor 8 is extended outward from the far end area and connected to the fiber optic demodulator, with the other end sealed or connected to the reflector.

[0059] It should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0060] It should also be noted that, in this document, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Moreover, the term "comprising" or any other variation thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or terminal device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or terminal device.

[0061] The above provides a detailed description of a respiratory sound monitoring endotracheal intubation structure based on vibration isolation and noise suppression provided in this application. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand this application, and the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, for those skilled in the art, there will be different variations in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on this application. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all implementation methods here, but obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A respiratory sound monitoring endotracheal intubation structure based on vibration isolation and noise suppression, characterized in that, The structure includes: The trachea itself, including the walls surrounding the trachea that form the artificial airway; A vibration damping layer is disposed on the inner wall surface of the pipe facing the artificial airway; A suspension layer is disposed on the side of the vibration isolation layer away from the pipe wall; A respiratory sound sensor is disposed on the side of the suspension layer away from the vibration isolation layer, so that a vibration isolation zone is formed between the respiratory sound sensor and the tube wall. Thus, while the respiratory sound sensor acquires the acoustic vibrations excited by the breathing airflow passing through the artificial airway, it suppresses the transmission of non-target mechanical vibrations through the tube wall to the respiratory sound sensor.

2. The endotracheal intubation structure for monitoring respiratory sounds based on vibration isolation and noise suppression according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vibration isolation layer is made of damping material.

3. The endotracheal intubation structure for monitoring respiratory sounds based on vibration isolation and noise suppression according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vibration isolation layer extends close to the inner wall surface of the pipe; wherein, the circumferential extension length of the vibration isolation layer is less than or equal to the inner edge length of the pipe wall, and the axial extension length of the vibration isolation layer is less than the pipe length of the pipe wall.

4. The endotracheal intubation structure for monitoring respiratory sounds based on vibration isolation and noise suppression according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suspension layer is made of a flexible material.

5. The endotracheal intubation structure for monitoring respiratory sounds based on vibration isolation and noise suppression according to claim 4, characterized in that, The suspension layer includes at least one longitudinal support bar that extends axially along the tube wall; In the case of multiple longitudinal support bars, the multiple longitudinal support bars are arranged radially at intervals, and a vibration isolation air gap is formed between two adjacent longitudinal support bars; The breathing sound sensor is connected across multiple longitudinal support bars.

6. The endotracheal intubation structure for monitoring respiratory sounds based on vibration isolation and noise suppression according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suspension layer includes at least one support band that extends circumferentially around the pipe wall; In the case of multiple support bands, the multiple support bands are axially spaced apart, and a vibration isolation air gap is formed between two adjacent support bands; The breathing sound sensor is connected across multiple support straps.

7. The endotracheal intubation structure for monitoring respiratory sounds based on vibration isolation and noise suppression according to claim 6, characterized in that, The breathing sound sensor is wound around the support band.

8. The endotracheal intubation structure for monitoring respiratory sounds based on vibration isolation and noise suppression according to claim 4, characterized in that, The suspension layer includes a micro-support with multiple open channels for forming vibration-damping air gaps.

9. A respiratory sound monitoring endotracheal intubation structure based on vibration isolation and noise suppression according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The respiratory sound sensor includes an optical fiber sensor, which comprises an interconnected optical fiber transmission line and a sensitive element. The sensitive element is used to convert the vibration or strain caused by the acoustic vibration into a change in optical signal and transmit it through the optical fiber transmission line. The sensitive element is disposed corresponding to the suspension layer, and the optical fiber transmission line extends from the artificial airway through the tube wall.

10. A respiratory sound monitoring endotracheal intubation structure based on vibration isolation and noise suppression according to claim 9, characterized in that, The structure also includes: An optical fiber demodulator, connected to the optical fiber sensor, is used to receive and demodulate the changes in the optical signal transmitted by the optical fiber sensor, thereby enabling real-time monitoring of respiratory sound information.

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