Tracheal Cannula Support Device Chest Wall Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for supporting and retaining tracheal cannulas on tracheostomized patients are not discreet and often irritate sensitive skin, causing discomfort and leakage issues due to axial forces during coughing and speech.
Innovation Solution
A device with a supporting means and fastening means that secures to the body below the stoma site, using a combination of adhesive pads, fabric hook-and-loop fasteners, and magnets to maintain the cannula in place without direct straps, preventing rotation and irritation, and allowing concealment under clothing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If neck straps are used to hold the cannula in position, then the cannula stability is improved, but the skin irritation and device visibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful neck straps are extracted and removed from the system. The patent replaces strap-based fixation with a base plate secured to the chest wall below the stoma site, eliminating direct skin contact and irritation at the sensitive stoma area while maintaining cannula stability through superior anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate serves as an intermediary element that transfers the stabilizing function from the harmful neck straps to a suitable location on the chest wall. This mediator provides stable support for the cannula while being positioned away from the sensitive skin at the stoma site, thus preventing irritation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If neck straps are used to hold the cannula in position, then the cannula stability is improved, but the device concealability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is relocated from the neck dimension to the chest wall dimension below the stoma site. This spatial repositioning allows the base plate to be concealed by clothing while still providing effective stabilization of the cannula, solving both stability and concealability requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the base is secured close to the stoma site, then the cannula support is improved, but the skin damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the attachment location from the sensitive area. The base plate is secured to the more robust chest wall tissue below the stoma site rather than directly at the stoma, providing adequate support while avoiding the fragile skin that would be damaged by close attachment.
4Stability of the object's composition
If traditional fixation devices are used, then the cannula is retained, but the device visibility and patient embarrassment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is relocated to the chest wall dimension below the stoma site where it can be effectively concealed by clothing. This repositioning maintains cannula retention functionality while dramatically improving patient comfort and reducing embarrassment from device visibility.
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
The device provides stable and discreet support for tracheal cannulas, preventing irritation and leakage, while allowing easy removal and adjustment for cleaning, and ensuring the cannula remains in place during head movement.
Implementation Method 1
The fastening means is provided with a first fastener and a second fastener or stabilising means... One side of a first fastener is provided with an adhesive suitable for securing the fastener to the skin
Implementation Method 2
fabric hook-and-loop fasteners... The fabric is attached to a second side of the first fastener and the second fastener, respectively
Implementation Method 3
using a combination of adhesive pads, fabric hook-and-loop fasteners, and magnets to maintain the cannula in place
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (11) for supporting and retaining medical appliances (10), such as tracheal cannulas and stoma stents, in the neck of a patient comprising supporting means (12) for supporting and retaining the medical appliance (10) and fastening means (13) for fastening the device on the body (36) of a patient. The fastening means (13) is provided at a distance from the supporting means and comprises means for attaching the device to the chest (36) of the patient. A method for supporting and retaining medical appliances (10), such as tracheal cannulas and stoma stents, in the neck of a patient, by fastening the appliance (10) on the body (36) of a patient outside the neck.