Multimodal Colorimetric Sensor Housing for Intubation Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aspiration detection in respiratory assist device patients and intubation verification of endotracheal tubes are inadequate, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates due to incorrect tube placement and undetected aspiration, as existing techniques such as capnography and physical examination are not reliable, especially in emergency or cardiac arrest situations.
Innovation Solution
An integrated multimodal colorimetric-based system with a housing coupled to the endotracheal tube, featuring CO2, HCL, butyric acid, and pH sensors that visually indicate correct tube placement and detect aspiration by analyzing exhaled gases, providing a more reliable and efficient method for aspiration detection and intubation verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods (capnography, physical examination) are used for intubation verification and aspiration detection, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of detection is insufficient leading to high morbidity and mortality rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (CO2 detection, aspiration detection, intubation verification) into a single integrated device. The housing contains multiple sensors that work together to provide comprehensive monitoring, merging what were previously separate functions into one unified system that improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions simultaneously: verifying endotracheal tube placement, detecting aspiration events, and monitoring CO2 levels. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to replace several separate tools, improving detection reliability across multiple clinical parameters while maintaining practical device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated into a single housing, then the measurement precision and detection capability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors (CO2 sensor, aspiration sensor, pH sensor) are integrated within a single housing structure. This consolidation allows the device to perform multiple detection functions simultaneously, improving measurement precision for aspiration detection while managing complexity through unified design rather than separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sensors are positioned within the housing to detect specific parameters at appropriate locations. The CO2 sensor, aspiration sensor, and pH sensor each occupy optimized positions within the housing to maximize their detection precision for their respective functions while maintaining a compact integrated structure.
3Ease of operation
If colorimetric sensors are made visible from the exterior of the housing, then the ease of operation improves for visual feedback, but the device complexity increases due to additional housing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs colorimetric sensors that change color based on detected parameters (CO2 levels, aspiration presence, pH). These sensors are positioned to be visible from the exterior of the housing, providing intuitive visual feedback to operators. The color changes enable easy interpretation of detection results without requiring complex displays or interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal sensor readings are visually represented through external color changes that can be observed through the housing. This optical copying of internal detection states to the exterior surface allows operators to monitor device function and detection results without opening the housing or accessing internal components, improving ease of operation.
4Productivity
If rapid detection is achieved through multiple sensors, then the productivity of clinical assessment improves, but the use of energy increases due to multiple active sensors
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors operate simultaneously within a single powered device, providing rapid comprehensive detection of CO2 levels, aspiration events, and pH changes. The integrated design allows all sensors to share a common power source and processing unit, improving detection productivity while managing energy consumption through shared system resources rather than separate powered devices.
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 reduces morbidity and mortality by providing a simple, efficient method for confirming correct endotracheal tube placement and detecting aspiration, even in challenging situations, through rapid and accurate visual feedback from colorimetric sensors.
Implementation Method 1
colorimetric based sensors within the housing are configured to come into contact with the patient exhalation
Implementation Method 2
the colorimetric sensors include a Carbon Dioxide (CO2) sensor and at least one of i) a sensor for a first gastric acid
Implementation Method 3
ii) a sensor for a second gastric acid different from the first gastric acid, and iii) PH sensor
Implementation Method 4
iii) PH sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method of aspiration detection and intubation placement verification for an endotracheal tube comprises: Attempting to intubate the patient with an endotracheal tube; Providing a multimodal aspiration detection and intubation placement verification system for an endotracheal tube having a housing and sensors within the housing, wherein the sensors include at least i) a sensor for a first gastric acid, and ii) a sensor for a second gastric acid different from the first gastric acid; Coupling the housing to the endotracheal tube whereby patient exhalation can flow through an internal passage of the housing, wherein the sensors within the housing come into contact with the patient exhalation; and Utilizing the sensor output for at least one of Detecting aspiration and to verification of intubation placement. The sensors include an electric chemical sensor array which can detect odor molecules at concentrations of less than 10 parts per billion in the gas phase.