Multi-lumen Catheter Input Module for Closed Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction catheters used for aspirating tracheobronchial fluids in ventilated patients are prone to carrying bacterial biofilm from the endotracheal tube lumen into the bronchial tree, increasing the risk of lung infection and reducing the effective lumen for air passage due to biofilm buildup.
Innovation Solution
A closed suction cleaning system with a cleaning catheter and input module that includes a mechanical user control element to manage fluid communication between suction and inflation lumens, using an inflatable element for sealing and wiping the ventilation tube interior, and a flow regulator to control suction and inflation functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suction catheter is inserted through the endotracheal tube lumen to aspirate tracheobronchial fluids, then suction function is achieved, but bacterial biofilm is carried from the ETT lumen into the bronchial tree increasing lung infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by cleaning the ETT lumen with a cleaning catheter before inserting the suction catheter. The cleaning catheter removes bacterial biofilm buildup in advance, so when the suction catheter is subsequently inserted, it does not carry biofilm into the bronchial tree, thereby preventing lung infection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a cleaning catheter as an intermediary device between the ETT lumen and the suction catheter. This cleaning catheter acts as a mediator that cleans the ETT interior surface, creating a clean environment for subsequent suction catheter insertion and preventing biofilm transmission.
2Productivity
If suction catheter operations are performed repeatedly through the ETT lumen, then tracheobronchial fluid aspiration is achieved, but substantial biofilm thickness builds up reducing the effective free lumen for air passage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by performing cleaning operations continuously alongside suction operations. Rather than waiting until biofilm buildup significantly reduces lumen volume, the cleaning catheter is used periodically or continuously to maintain the ETT lumen clean, ensuring uninterrupted air passage and sustained suction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning function is performed as a preliminary action before suction operations or between suction operations to prevent biofilm accumulation. This proactive cleaning maintains the ETT lumen open and functional, preventing the reduction of effective lumen volume that would occur with repeated suction operations alone.
3Reliability
If a cleaning catheter with multiple lumens and control elements is used to clean the ETT lumen, then biofilm removal effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning catheter is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both cleaning functions (fluid delivery and suction) within a single device. The catheter includes a cleaning fluid delivery lumen, a suction lumen, and an inflatable element lumen, allowing it to perform multiple operations (cleaning, suction, and sealing) without requiring multiple separate devices, thus managing complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is segmented into multiple functional lumens and components, each with a specific function. The cleaning fluid delivery lumen, suction lumen, and inflatable element lumen are separate but integrated within the same catheter structure. This segmentation allows for independent control and optimization of each function while maintaining overall system manageability through the flow regulator and control elements.
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 system effectively cleans the ventilation tube interior, reducing biofilm buildup and preventing lung infections by maintaining a cleaner lumen, while ensuring safe and simple operation.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable element (188), which is mounted to the catheter main body (210)... and which is shaped so as to define an interior that is in fluid communication with the inflatable-element lumen
Implementation Method 2
a suction source; a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the ventilation tube... and is shaped so as to define one or more distal suction orifices
Implementation Method 3
a flow regulator, which is shaped so as to define a suction port coupleable in fluid communication with the suction source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A multi-lumen catheter for cleaning an inner surface of a tracheal ventilation tube is provided, which enables single-handed simultaneous activation of inflation of an inflatable element and suctioning in a closed suction system for use with the tracheal ventilation tube. The closed suction system allows catheters to be used repeatedly without being detached from the tube system including the ventilation air supply. The cleaning catheter is insertable into the tracheal ventilation tube, and is shaped so as to define one or more distal suction orifices. The cleaning catheter comprises an elongate, flexible, tubular catheter main body, and an inflatable element, which is mounted to the catheter main body. An input module is coupled to the cleaning catheter, and comprises an inflation module, which comprises an inflation chamber separate from a suction source. The input module also comprises a flow regulator, which is shaped so as to define a suction port coupleable in fluid communication with the suction source.