Bulb Syringe Suction Device with Check Valves for Tracheostomy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-electrical suction devices for tracheostomy tubes are inadequate, as they either fail to effectively manage suction or are cumbersome and costly, lacking suitable suction catheters and being too aggressive, noisy, or inconvenient for regular use, especially in public settings.
Innovation Solution
A compact, portable bulb syringe-type suction device with one-way check valves and a baffle/trap system that allows controlled suction and retention of secretions, featuring a detachable and reusable design with disposable components, suitable for various tracheostomy tube sizes, and easy to clean.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a bulb syringe is used to suction a tracheostomy tube, then the device is simple and inexpensive, but it cannot effectively reach into the tube to remove mucus and secretions
Solution Approach 1:
The suction catheter is nested within the bulb syringe chamber, allowing the catheter to reach into the tracheostomy tube while the bulb syringe provides the suction force. This nested configuration enables both the simplicity of a bulb syringe and the effectiveness of a catheter-based system.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction catheter acts as an intermediary component that bridges the bulb syringe and the tracheostomy tube. It transmits the suction force from the bulb syringe deep into the tube to remove secretions, while the collection chamber receives and contains the expelled material.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a handheld rescue suction device like V-Vac is used, then electricity is not required, but the device is large and creates excessive suction that causes patient trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The suction force is changed from the high-force mechanical pump of emergency devices to the gentler, manually-controlled squeeze of a bulb syringe. This parameter change in force magnitude and control method eliminates patient trauma while maintaining non-electrical operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses the patient's own breathing efforts and the caregiver's manual squeezing action to generate suction, rather than requiring an external power source. This self-service approach provides adequate suction for tracheostomy care without the excessive force of emergency equipment.
3Reliability
If an electrically powered suction machine is used in public places, then effective suction is provided, but the noise draws unwanted attention to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical motor and noisy mechanical components of traditional suction machines are replaced with a simple mechanical bulb syringe system. The suction is generated by manual squeezing of the bulb rather than an electric motor, eliminating the harmful noise while maintaining suction capability.
4Device complexity
If a bulb syringe without a collection chamber is used, then the device remains simple, but mucus and secretions are not retained between suctioning sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The collection chamber is merged with the bulb syringe structure, combining the suction generation function and the secretion retention function into a single integrated device. This eliminates the need for separate containers while maintaining simplicity and enabling secretion retention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides quiet, controlled, and economical suctioning for tracheostomy tubes, reducing trauma and infection risks, and serving as a reliable backup to electric suction machines, especially in public or emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
The squeezable bulb can be squeezed and released repeatedly to create the required amount of suctioning
Implementation Method 2
There is an exhaust valve shown at the larger end of the squeezable bulb, this exhaust valve is a one-way valve which allows air inside of the bulb to be exhausted to the ambient air when the bulb is collapsed by squeezing
Implementation Method 3
The mucus trap and suction catheter are detachable from the squeezable bulb
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for suctioning mucus and secretions from a patient's tracheostomy tube is described. The device utilizes a reusable squeezable bulb with check valves to regulate air flow in and out of the squeezable bulb and a disposable mucus trap and suction catheter to suction a tracheostomy tube effectively and discretely without using an electrically powered suction machine.