Airway Stabilization System with Interlocking Collars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airway stabilization systems fail to effectively prevent clinically significant movement of airway devices in response to multidirectional forces, leading to unplanned extubation, which is costly and hazardous, especially in emergency and veterinary settings, due to inadequate resistance against forces such as bending, torsional, or rotational movements.
Innovation Solution
An active airway stabilization system comprising an airway device with a flexible elongate body and a securing apparatus featuring a retention collar with alternating ribs and structural recesses, along with a tower structure and pivotally interconnected c-shaped collars, which provide a tight interlocking fit to prevent movement without constricting the airway, ensuring stability even when the device becomes slippery from fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional airway stabilization systems are used, then the device can be inserted into the airway, but the device cannot effectively resist multidirectional forces (bending, torsional, rotational) leading to clinically significant movement and unplanned extubation
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization system is divided into multiple functional segments: an airway device with retention collar, a securing apparatus with tower structure, and interlocking c-shaped collars. Each segment performs a specific function (retention, securing, interlocking) that collectively provides resistance to multidirectional forces while maintaining positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The c-shaped collars are nested within each other and pivot to form a complete circle around the airway device. The retention collar on the airway device fits within the tower structure's c-shaped collars, creating a nested configuration that maximizes stability while allowing for easy insertion and removal.
2Reliability
If a tight securing mechanism is applied to prevent movement, then stability is improved, but the airway may become constricted compromising ventilation
Solution Approach 1:
The securing apparatus applies stabilization forces only to the external surface of the airway device through the retention collar and tower structure, while the airway device's internal lumen remains completely unrestricted. This localized application of securing forces prevents movement without constricting the airway passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention collar acts as an intermediary element between the airway device and the securing apparatus. It provides external engagement points for the tower structure's c-shaped collars while maintaining a smooth profile that does not constrict the airway lumen, thus mediating between stabilization needs and airway patency.
3Ease of operation
If the securing apparatus is designed for rapid insertion in emergency situations, then ease of operation is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The c-shaped collars are designed to pivot dynamically during insertion, allowing the securing apparatus to quickly adapt to the airway device's position. This dynamic movement enables rapid deployment without requiring complex alignment procedures, while the pivoting mechanism itself is simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention collar is pre-attached to the airway device before insertion, and the c-shaped collars are pre-configured in an open position. This preliminary preparation allows the securing apparatus to engage the airway device immediately upon insertion without requiring additional assembly steps, speeding up the overall process despite the multi-component design.
Data Source
AI summary
An airway stabilization system including an airway device and a securing mechanism or faceplate therefor is provided which includes active stabilizing components on both the airway device and the faceplate which prevent clinically significant movement of the airway device with respect to the patient's vocal cords in response to the application of significant forces in any direction to the device, be they longitudinal, torsional/rotational or bending. The system includes an airway device and an attached retention collar which interacts with a securing device/patient to ensure proper airway insertion depth and provide unparalleled strength and stability against movement. The airway stabilization system includes a unique stabilizer readily adapted for use in field situations to releasably engage or release a retention structure on the airway device to facilitate ease of application in all conditions, a twist-off 15 mm connector which allows a secure connection of the 15 mm connector to the airway device while facilitating easy disconnection thereof, and a universal bite block which cooperates with the securing system to prevent oral and/or dental damage and discomfort to the patient when the system is installed.