Nasal Cannula Prong Segmentation for Occlusion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nasal cannulas used for oxygen gas insufflation and carbon dioxide sampling often experience occlusion of nasal prongs due to accumulation of nasal secretions, especially in horizontal or prone positions, which can disrupt gas flow and measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A nasal cannula design featuring a tube with separate inhalation and exhalation pathways, divided by a sealing member, and equipped with nasal prongs that include apertures for pressure release, helping to prevent occlusion and maintain gas flow even when prongs become occluded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If nasal prongs are designed with smaller outer diameter for anatomical comfort, then patient comfort and proper gas flow direction are improved, but the prongs become more susceptible to occlusion by nasal secretions
Solution Approach 1:
The nasal prong is segmented into multiple functional zones: the external portion maintains small diameter for comfort, while the internal portion includes multiple apertures (first and second apertures) that segment the gas flow paths. This segmentation allows the prong to maintain comfort dimensions externally while providing multiple internal flow channels that resist occlusion, as secretions can block one aperture while gas flows through others
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary structure - the sealed chamber with multiple apertures - between the external prong surface and the nasal cavity. This intermediary chamber acts as a buffer zone that prevents direct contact between secretions and the main gas flow path, allowing gas to be delivered through multiple small apertures that are less susceptible to complete occlusion
2Adaptability or versatility
If nasal cannula is used for oxygen insufflation and carbon dioxide sampling, then patient monitoring capability is improved, but occlusion of prongs by secretions disrupts gas flow and measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow system is segmented into separate inhalation and exhalation pathways with distinct apertures. The first aperture handles oxygen insufflation while the second aperture handles exhalate sampling. This segmentation ensures that occlusion in one pathway does not completely disrupt the other monitoring function, maintaining partial gas flow and measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The nasal prong design incorporates dynamic pressure equalization through multiple apertures of different sizes and positions. When secretions partially block one aperture, the system dynamically adapts by routing gas flow through alternative apertures, maintaining gas flow continuity and monitoring reliability without requiring system shutdown or intervention
3Reliability
If apertures are added to nasal prongs for pressure release, then occlusion resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple apertures are merged into a single integrated prong structure rather than being separate components. The first and second apertures are formed as integral features of the nasal prong body, eliminating the need for separate valves or moving parts. This merging approach maintains occlusion resistance through multiple flow paths while minimizing device complexity by using a static, one-piece construction
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 nasal cannula effectively mitigates occlusion of nasal prongs, ensuring continuous and accurate oxygen insufflation and carbon dioxide sampling, thereby maintaining reliable end-tidal carbon dioxide measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a first means for releasing pressure build-up along the exhalation pathway
Data Source
AI summary
A nasal cannula has a tube configured with a first part defining an inhalation pathway and a second part defining an exhalation pathway. The first part and the second part are divided by a sealing member. The first part has an inlet and a first nasal prong for insufflating gas into the nostril of a patient. The second part has an outlet, a second nasal prong for collecting exhaled gas from the nostril of a patient, and a first means for releasing pressure build-up along the exhalation pathway.