Bronchus Blocker with Carina Support for Position Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bronchus blockers are prone to displacement during patient movement, leading to incorrect delivery of artificial respiration and potential contamination, as they rely on an inflatable balloon to both seal the bronchus and maintain position, which is not secure enough.
Innovation Solution
A bronchus blocker with a support mechanism that secures the device on a bronchial branching, such as a carina, allowing the balloon to solely seal the bronchus without maintaining position, and an optional compensating device to keep the blocker in place during respiration, eliminating the need for an endoscope and enhancing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the balloon is used to seal the bronchus, then the bronchus is sealed air-tight, but the balloon slips out of the bronchus easily or is pushed too far into it
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the sealing function (balloon) from the positioning function (support structure). The support structure with arms and engagement features provides stable positioning, while the balloon solely performs sealing, eliminating the conflict between these two functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary between the insertion tube and the balloon. It provides the necessary positioning and stabilization, allowing the balloon to remain securely in place without requiring excessive friction or tight holding.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the balloon is held tightly in the bronchus to prevent displacement, then position stability is improved, but the bronchus may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the device into separate positioning and sealing components, the positioning function is handled by the support structure with mechanical engagement features, while the balloon provides gentle sealing without needing to exert excessive holding forces that could damage the bronchus.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure automatically positions and stabilizes the device through its geometric design and engagement features with the bronchial tree anatomy, eliminating the need for continuous external adjustment or excessive balloon inflation to maintain position.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible tube is carried along with head movement, then the tube moves with the patient, but this results in displacement of the balloon
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves as an intermediary that anchors the device to the stationary bronchial tree anatomy. It provides a stable reference point that remains fixed during head movements, preventing the balloon from being displaced by tube movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from relying solely on linear tube positioning to utilizing three-dimensional engagement with the bronchial tree structure through the support arms and fixation features, providing stability in multiple dimensions against head movements.
Data Source
AI summary
The bronchus blocker according to the invention comprises an insertion rod and a blocking means. The blocking means is provided near one end of the insertion rod in order to be inserted by means thereof into a bronchus. The bronchus blocker furthermore comprises a support, for supporting the bronchus blocker on a bronchial branching, such as the carina. By supporting the bronchus blocker on a bronchial branching using its support, the inflated balloon only has to seal the bronchus and does not also have to keep the bronchus blocker in its position at the same time. As a result, the risk of the bronchus blocker slipping out of its position is much smaller than with the prior art.