Endotracheal Tube Holder With Sliding Cradle for Secure Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endotracheal tube (ETT) holders fail to adequately prevent unscheduled removal due to jaw fatigue, improper stabilization, and inability to counterbalance external forces, leading to adverse events such as airway trauma, prolonged ventilatory support, and increased medical costs.
Innovation Solution
An endotracheal tube holder with a flexible harness, adjustable straps, and a platform with a slide and cradle system that securely engages the tube, distributing forces evenly to prevent accidental removal during patient movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing ETT holders use straps to secure the tube, then the tube can be held in place, but the straps tend to stretch out or slip off the head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the securing components by using foam pads instead of traditional straps. The foam material provides both security and dimensional stability, eliminating the stretching and slipping problems while maintaining reliable tube fixation.
2Reliability
If existing ETT holders use clamps from a plastic frame, then the tube can be secured, but the clamps can squeeze the ETT tube causing narrowing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid plastic clamps with flexible foam pads that conform to the tube shape without excessive compression. The foam material provides securing force while preventing the squeezing and narrowing that occurs with rigid clamp structures.
3Reliability
If existing ETT holders use adhesive pads, then the tube can be secured, but the adhesive pads can cause skin tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces adhesive pads with foam padding that distributes pressure evenly across the head surface. This flexible foam structure secures the tube without the adhesive bonding that causes skin tearing, eliminating skin trauma while maintaining securing effectiveness.
4Reliability
If existing ETT holders use tape to secure the tube, then the tube can be held in place, but the tape doesn't let air to the skin and can breakdown, deteriorate, create ulcers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces occlusive tape with breathable foam padding that allows air circulation to the skin. The foam structure provides securing effectiveness while preventing the breakdown, deterioration, and ulcer formation caused by tape that blocks air access to the skin.
5Reliability
If existing ETT holders use ties to secure the tube, then the tube can be held in place, but the ties can loosen or become soiled with oral bodily fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ties with foam padding that maintains consistent securing pressure without loosening. The foam material resists absorption of oral bodily fluids and maintains its structural integrity, preventing the tension loss and soiling that occur with traditional tie structures.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an endotracheal tube holder comprising a harness adapted to be engaged with an associated patient's head, the harness having a top, bottom, front, back, first side, and second side; an adjustable transverse band; an adjustable coronal band; a first strap elongated to define a first end engaged with the transverse band on the first side and a second end; a second strap elongated to define a first end engaged with the transverse band on the second side and a second; a set of pads having a first pad engaged to the first strap, and a second pad engaged to the second strap; and a platform having an elongated rail extending between the first pad and the second pad, a slide engaged with the rail, and a tube cradle on top of the slide, the tube cradle being adapted to engage and hold an endotracheal tube.