ETT Suction Attachment for Fluid Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Endo-Tracheal Tubes (ETTs) face challenges in effectively managing excessive fluids and secretions in the trachea and mouth, leading to potential lung infections due to accumulated saliva and mucus, and dryness issues that can cause infections when ventilation occurs without proper fluid management.
Innovation Solution
An add-on device for ETTs featuring a wrap with a c-shaped cross-section, including suction and moisture sensors, a liquid outlet, and a controller that activates suction and fluid supply based on sensor data to remove secretions and prevent dryness, integrated with a hub that controls suction and fluid delivery to maintain optimal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a balloon is used to block fluids from entering the trachea and lungs, then fluid blocking capability is improved, but fluid accumulation in the mouth and trachea still occurs leading to infections
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the fluid management function into separate segments: a balloon for blocking tracheal fluids and separate suction channels for removing mouth and tracheal secretions. This segmentation allows each component to address specific fluid accumulation issues without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the suction function from the traditional ETT structure by adding separate suction channels that run along the length of the tube. These channels extract fluids and secretions from specific regions (mouth and trachea) using vacuum suction, removing the harmful fluid accumulation effect while maintaining the blocking function.
2Productivity
If suction channels are added to remove fluids, then fluid removal capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the suction channels with the existing ETT structure by integrating them into the tube wall. The channels are formed as part of the ETT anatomy, combining fluid removal functionality with the existing ventilation tube without requiring separate external components or complex assembly structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The ETT structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: ventilation through the lumen, fluid blocking via the balloon, and fluid removal through the integrated suction channels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices and simplifies the overall system despite adding capabilities.
3Extent of automation
If sensor data is used to control suction, then automated fluid management is improved, but measurement and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates sensors that detect fluid presence and characteristics in the trachea and mouth, providing feedback to a control system. This feedback enables automated adjustment of suction parameters based on actual fluid conditions, achieving adaptive fluid management without requiring complex manual monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-regulation through integrated sensors and control mechanisms. The device automatically detects when suction is needed and adjusts operation based on sensor input, reducing the need for external monitoring and manual intervention while managing fluid removal autonomously.
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 effectively removes excessive fluids and secretions from the trachea and mouth, preventing lung infections and maintaining moisture levels, thereby enhancing ventilation efficiency and patient safety without requiring ETT replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a distal suction outlet channel extending from a proximal end of the lengthy body, the channel is a continuous extension of the distal suction cavity and configured to provide suction to the distal suction cavity
Implementation Method 2
a moisture sensor for detection of liquid at the distal end of the lengthy body
Data Source
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AI summary
An add-on device (100) for an Endo-Tracheal Tube (ETT), the add-on device including a lengthy body (30) having a major arc-shaped cross section sized and shaped to tightly fit over an ETT (10), at least one longitudinal cavity (41) passing along the lengthy body, comprising a distal suction cavity ending with a suction inlet (51) at a distal end of the lengthy body; and a distal suction outlet channel (63) extending from a proximal end of the lengthy body, the channel is a continuous extension of the distal suction cavity and configured to provide suction to the distal suction cavity. The add-on device senses moisture at a distal end of the add-on device, and in case of detection of excessive wetness, provides suction to the distal end of the device through the cavity passing along the device, the suction is provided via the suction outlet channel extending from the proximal end of the device.